Deploying a CICS Platform project

Export the CICS® Platform project to z/OS® UNIX and create a platform definition in the CICSPlex® SM data repository. Set up CICS regions to match each CICS region definition that you created in your platform.

Before you begin

If you are planning a large-scale deployment, check that the size of your CICSPlex SM data repository is adequate. The data repository is the VSAM data set where system configuration and definition data for CICSPlex SM is stored. Each CMAS has its own data repository.

The resources for platforms and applications are managed from the data repository, not from the CICS CSD, so the data repository needs to have enough space for the definitions for your platform and the applications and bundles deployed on it. You can determine the current size of the data repository by using the LISTCAT function of the IDCAMS utility.

If you want to expand the data repository, use the REPRO function of the IDCAMS utility. An example of the JCL to do this is in the EYUJXDRP member of the CICSTS51.CPSM.SEYUSAMP library. In that JCL, on the RECORDS(xx,yy) statement, specify a primary (xx) and a secondary (yy) value that are appropriate for your environment. The initial values are 500 and 3000.

About this task

The export process packages the CICS bundles that are referenced in the CICS Platform project and deploys all the files to the platform home directory in zFS. During the export, the wizard checks that the subdirectories of the platform home directory exist, and creates them if they do not exist. The wizard also validates whether a platform with the same platform home directory is installed or not. If the platform is already installed, the export fails.

The platform definition, which is a PLATDEF resource definition, identifies the platform home directory on zFS and the target CICSplex for the platform. You cannot edit the platform definition after it is created.

Procedure

  1. In the CICS Cloud perspective, in the Project Explorer view, right-click your CICS Platform project and click Export Platform Project to z/OS UNIX File System. Alternatively, click the link in the Actions list in the platform editor to export the platform project.
  2. Select the platform project that you want to export. The field is prefilled with the current selection, or you can browse to select another platform project.
  3. Select the CICS SM connection and the destination CICSplex for the export. The platform home directory location, and the subdirectory to which the platform project is exported, are displayed in the wizard.
  4. To create a platform definition following the export, check the box. If you are already connected to z/OS with the appropriate z/OS connection for the export, you can now click Finish to carry out the export. Otherwise, click Next.
  5. If you clicked Next, select or verify the z/OS connection that you want to use for the export. When you make a selection the connection is established. Click Finish to carry out the export.
  6. The platform bundle and associated CICS bundles are exported to the platform home directory. If you checked the box in the platform export wizard, the New Platform Definition wizard now opens automatically. To create your platform definition at another time, open the CICS Cloud perspective. In the Cloud Explorer view, right-click and select New > Platform Definition to open the New Platform Definition wizard.
    Tip: You can also access this wizard from the CICS SM perspective. Right-click the CICSplex you want to work with and click New > Other. Expand the CICS Definitions folder and click Platform Definition.
  7. In the New Platform Definition wizard, enter a name for the platform definition in the Name field, and enter a description of the platform definition in the Description field. The CICSplex field is automatically populated with the name of the CICSplex you are working with.
  8. Verify that the Platform Directory field contains the name of the subdirectory of the platform home directory where the platform project was exported. Enter or browse for an alternative directory if necessary. To browse for an alternative directory, choose an active connection to zFS in the z/OS connection field.
  9. Click Finish to create the platform definition in the data repository of the CMAS.
  10. For each CICS region definition that you created in a region type in your platform project, set up an actual CICS region. As an alternative to setting up a new CICS region, you can use an existing CICS region that was not previously managed by CICSPlex SM.
    1. Create the CICS region with an APPLID, SYSID, and other attributes that match the system definition that you created. As a best practice, CICS regions in a region type should be clones of each other. For instructions to do this, see Setting up a CICS region in the CICS TS V5.2 product documentation.
    2. Perform the steps on the CICS region to make it known to CICSPlex SM as a managed application system (MAS). For instructions to do this, see Setting up a CICS managed application system (MAS) in the CICS TS V5.2 product documentation.
    Do not start the CICS regions yet.

What to do next

Install the platform definition to create a running platform in the target CICSplex.