What's new
This page contains recent and forthcoming additions of note to Model 204 documentation.
Model 204 Version 7.7
Model 204 7.7 is commercially available in January, 2017.
The main features in this release are summarized below and described in greater detail in the Release notes for Model 204 version 7.7.
| Category | Feature |
|---|---|
| Performance |
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| Security |
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| Add-on enhancements |
|
Fast/Unload Version 7.7
Highlights of this version include the integration of Fast/Unload with the Model 204 Online load module, the broader availability of zIIP exploitation, and the change of the product version number to match the version number of Model 204.
The main features in this release (January, 2017) are described in the Release notes for Model 204 version 7.7.
Janus/TN3270 Debugger Build 65
On September 1 2016, Build 65 of the Janus/TN3270 Debugger Client was released.
When Build 65 is used with Model 204 version 7.7, you can force Debugger Clients to have at least a minimum build number in order to invoke a debugging session with your Online. The new Model 204 system parameter MINDEBCL sets such a minimum.
If you set MINDEBCL to a positive value, use a version of the Debugger Client whose build number is less than MINDEBCL, and invoke a debugging session, the debugging session is rejected.
Please consult the Debugger User's Guide for details (see Build 65 in the "Release Notes" chapter).
DROWN security threat to Janus SSL ports
Janus Network Security customers should be aware of a security threat known as the "DROWN attack" (https://drownattack.com/). The DROWN threat exploits a security vulnerability of network SSL ports that use SSL V2.
See the DROWN security threat page for recommendations for responding to this threat.
Model 204 Version 7.6 and RKTools Version 7.5
Rocket Software is pleased to announce the commercial availability (January, 2016) of two new releases: Model 204 version 7.6 and RKTools version 7.5.
Release notes
The main features in these releases of Model 204 and RKTools are summarized on this page and described in greater detail in the Release notes for Model 204 version 7.6 and the Release notes for RKTools V7.5.
Model 204 version 7.6
Model 204 version 7.6 has added new features and functionality to provide continuous growth and expansion of your Model 204 investment.
New performance features
| 64-bit storage | This release continues the 64-bit enablement of the Model 204 infrastructure begun in version 7.4. By moving Model 204 "above the bar," scalability, performance, and growth are limited only by the system architecture and memory. As of version 7.6, STBL, VTBL, and several other tables can now be placed into swappable or non-swappable server storage area above the bar. (This is in addition to FTBL, GTBL, NTBL, and QTBL, moved above the bar in previous releases.)
Note that using above-the-bar storage could bring new challenges to customers who have written assembly language functions for use within Model 204. Rocket Software provides a set of service offerings to help accommodate your upgrade and conversion needs. Contact Rocket Software for details. |
|---|---|
| M204 HPO (IBM z/OS systems only) |
Release 7.6 enhances zIIP (IBM System z Integrated Information Processor) support by making most of the Model 204 code zIIP tolerant. M204 HPO (High Performance Option) offloads to zIIP almost all MP-capable code (Model 204 code that can run on an MP subtask). Code that cannot be executed on zIIP uses the MP subtask or a maintask.
Note: While a limited version of zIIP offloading is freely and implicitly available to all customers, the HPO zIIP support requires an additional license. For more information, contact Rocket Software. |
| Fast/Unload HPO | Fast/Unload invoked by the Fast/Unload Soul Interface can take advantage of zIIP processing at sites that purchase licenses for both the add-on feature Fast/Unload HPO (High Performance Option) and the M204 HPO add-on. |
| High Performance FICON (zHPF) | Model 204 version 7.6 supports IBM's High Performance FICON (zHPF) feature (for z/OS systems 2.01 and higher), which allows faster I/O by limiting the number of interactions between the channel and the device. |
SOUL enhancements
Additional enhancements have been made to SOUL (formerly User Language), including:
- Json class, for exchanging data with other platforms using the JSON format.
- Private keyword for Class declarations.
- Friend declarations for Class blocks.
- New "SSL" string methods.
RKTools version 7.5
The first version of RKTools is now available. Formerly known as UL/SPF, these utilities now provide advanced features to enhance programmer productivity, encourage the use of Soul OO programming constructs, assist in debugging and problem analysis, and help increase Model 204 availability. The product release notes introduce its new features.
Note: RKTools 7.5 requires Model 204 7.5 or higher.
SirScan, SirMon, and SirLib
Highlights of this release include the following features:
- SirScan now has higher scan limits, along with a new bookmarking feature and a more complete web implementation.
- SirMon provides a greatly improved web interface.
- SirLib change management enhancements include longer project names, a much faster change-application engine, and improved integration with the programmer tools in SirPro.
SirPro
SirPro is extensively enhanced for Version 7.5:
- It now allows most procedure-filtering operations from the SirPro command line.
- It includes SoulEdit, an entirely new Model 204 editor with hundreds of improvements over the traditional Model 204 editor, such as:
- Advanced block commands
- Sophisticated help
- Integrated Xcompare
- User-extensible macro development
- Integrated procedure backup
- A user-controllable profile