IBM's Open Systems Adapter (OSA) is an integrated communications adapter and is the strategic communications device for IBM's mainframe architecture. It has a critical role in mainframe information throughput and the optimized operation of these devices is fundamental to the well-being of the network.

OSA interfaces provide high-speed connectivity between zSeries mainframe computers and TCP/IP and/or SNA networks with data throughput speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second. Being the only means of attaching a LAN to a System z, the OSA is the modern gateway from the open world into the IBM mainframe.

As capable as the Open Systems Adapter undoubtedly is, its success has made it a potential single point of failure for the entire mainframe network. If one or more OSAs develops a fault, your ability to conduct business via the mainframe will be compromised.

ZEN OSA MONITOR is a new, dedicated monitoring and management tool that enables you to see at a glance how your OSA's are performing. ZEN OSA MONITOR contains unique monitoring capabilities that dynamically detect any status changes or increases in error counts. All such changes are summarized in easy to read panels in the ZEN Presentation Manager and can be automatically alerted on. A simple but effective system of traffic lights highlight any changes to reference values, ensuring these critical devices are maintained at optimal performance levels.

ZEN OSA MONITOR understands the multi-faceted nature of the OSA. By taking a 'deep-dive' approach to data-gathering it is able to detect immediately state changes, congestion and queue depth issues, along with many, many other pointers which are not detected by IP Monitors, any of which could indicate an impending problem.