IBM Server Proven

EXIGENCE

Introduction

EXIGENCE is a problem-solving tool for network environments on z/OS. It enables TCP/IP (including IP Version 6) and SNA network problems, caused by faulty hardware or software, to be recorded and analyzed without recourse to batch file tracing, printing and manual analysis.

EXIGENCE simplifies the trace capture process whether the trace is for a single connection on a single processor or for multiple connections across the Sysplex via its unique, optional Group Trace facility.

Through 3270 and/or Java Client Interfaces, EXIGENCE helps maximise network availability and minimise costs by accelerating problem determination and resolution, reducing the time skilled staff spend handling network problems and providing an effective training aid for network novices.

Tracing

EXIGENCE captures, inspects, formats and analyses network traffic without the use of GTF or Ctrace. Traces are defined and executed using simple menu systems. EXIGENCE handles multiple TCP/IP stacks and enables an unlimited number of traces to be run concurrently.

Traces types include:

Browsing

EXIGENCE allows traces to be browsed, either as the trace is running, or once it has been archived. Trace information is presented, on screen, in an immediately readable form, with error situations highlighted. The information can be viewed from a summary presentation right down to the bit level, with EXIGENCE's fully annotated structure displays. Particularly useful is the ability to switch between trace display modes (e.g. from Flow to Formatted to Translated display and back again) without loss of context.

Filtering

EXIGENCE allows traces to be filtered according to the perception of where the problem is occurring. For instance, EXIGENCE filters, which can be applied dynamically as traces are running, enable traces to be targeted at: