Deploying Stonebranch Universal Automation Center Agents on z/OS to Replace CA-7
Executive Summary: Deploying Stonebranch Universal Automation Center Agents on z/OS to Replace CA-7
Replacing Broadcom CA-7 requires deploying a modern, lightweight workload agent on z/OS that coordinates with cloud orchestrators. Learn step-by-step how to install the Stonebranch Universal Agent, map JCL execution, and achieve a 60% licensing cost reduction.
1 Problem Statement & Architecture Context: Deploying Stonebranch Universal Automation Center Agents on z/OS to Replace CA-7
Enterprises facing 200%+ price increases on Broadcom CA-7 software renewals seek to migrate to modern workload automation platforms like Stonebranch Universal Automation Center (UAC). However, systems teams fear disruption to thousands of daily z/OS batch production jobs:
AUDIT FINDING: 8,400 ACTIVE CA-7 JOB SCHEDULES AND 14,000 DATASET TRIGGERS
CHALLENGE: How to migrate without a multi-year freeze or operational downtime?2 Technical Root Cause & Architecture Mechanics
Legacy CA-7 systems bind schedules, dataset triggers (DB.1), and virtual resource locks into proprietary mainframe databases. Modern solutions decouple scheduling orchestration (running in cloud or Linux containers) from execution engines, utilizing lightweight z/OS agents communicating over secure TLS REST/TCP.
3 Implementation Guide & Modernization Strategy
# 1. Install Stonebranch Universal Agent Started Task on z/OS
Deploy the agent SMP/E or pax file to z/OS UNIX and APF-authorize the load library:
In SYS1.PROCLIB(UNAGENT):
//UNAGENT PROC
//STEP01 EXEC PGM=UNAGENT,REGION=0M,
// PARM='CONFIG=/etc/stonebranch/agent.conf'
//STEPLIB DD DSN=STONE.AUTM.LOADLIB,DISP=SHR
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*
//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=*# 2. Configure Agent Communication and Security
In /etc/stonebranch/agent.conf:
CONTROLLER_HOST=uac.enterprise.cloud
CONTROLLER_PORT=7878
SSL_ENABLED=YES
SECURITY_MODEL=RACF
JES_INTERFACE=SUBSYSTEMThe agent executes jobs under the submitting user's native RACF / ACF2 / Top Secret credentials, preserving full security auditing!
# 3. Convert CA-7 Schedules to Stonebranch Workflows
Using StackMF's automated conversion parser:
1. Export CA-7 database via BTI batch terminal interface.
2. Translate calendar schedules, trigger dependencies, and VRM resource locks into Stonebranch JSON workflow definitions.
3. Run parallel dual-run execution for 2 weeks to verify completion return codes (RC=0000).
4. Decommission CA-7 and terminate the license!
Technical Specifications Matrix
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Target Environment | IBM z/OS • Modernisation & Cloud |
| Key Technologies | Stonebranch, UAC, CA-7 |
| Delivery SLA | Accelerated Sprint Delivery via StackMF Pods |
| Technical Reviewer | Anshu, Chief Technology Architect • StackMF Architecture Pod |
Production Readiness & Verification Checklist
- Perform automated syntax validation of all converted JCL prior to production cutover.
- Run parallel tracking where both schedulers log batch completions to verify timing parity.
- Ensure z/OS agent started task is configured in WLM service class `SYSTEM` or `SYSSTC`.
- Train operational staff on modern web-based Gantt dashboards to accelerate adoption.
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Authoritative Reference Documentation
Official IBM manuals, Redbooks, and vendor technical advisories:
This diagnostic runbook is published by StackMF Technologies LLP for educational and architectural reference only. All code snippets, JCL, and procedures are provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind. Always test changes thoroughly in non-production sysplex environments prior to production rollout.
IBM, z/OS, CICS, Db2, IMS, RACF, and IDz are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Broadcom, CA-7, and Endevor are trademarks of Broadcom Inc. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners and are referenced under the Nominative Fair Use Doctrine (US Lanham Act 15 U.S.C. ยง 1125 / Section 30 of the Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999) solely for technology compatibility and diagnostic identification. StackMF Technologies LLP is an independent consulting entity not affiliated with or endorsed by these vendors. View Full Legal & IP Policy →
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