WebSphere MQ v6.0 - Glossary of terms and abbreviations

 

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This glossary defines WebSphere MQ terms and abbreviations used throughout the WebSphere MQ information set. If you do not find the term you are looking for here, try the IBM Dictionary of Computing, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1994.

If you believe that we have omitted a WebSphere MQ term from this glossary, please use any of the methods described in Sending your comments to IBM at the back of this book to tell us.

This glossary includes terms and definitions from the American National Dictionary for Information Systems , ANSI X3.172-1990, copyright 1990 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Copies may be purchased from the American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42 Street, New York, New York 10036. Definitions are identified by the symbol (A) after the definition.

A: B: C: D: E: F: G: H: I: J: K: L: M: N: O: P: Q: R: S: T: U: V: W: X: Y: Z

 

A

abend reason code

A 4-byte hexadecimal code that uniquely identifies a problem with a program that runs on a z/OS or OS390 operating system.

abstract class

An object-oriented programming class that represents a concept; classes derived from it represent implementations of the concept. An object cannot be constructed from an abstract class; that is, it cannot be instantiated. See also parent class.

access control

In computer security, the process of ensuring that only authorized users can access the resources of a computer system in authorized ways.

access control list (ACL)

In computer security, a list associated with an object that identifies all the subjects that can access the object and their access rights. For example, an access control list is a list that is associated with a file that identifies the users who can access the file and that identified the user's access rights to that file.

accountability

The quality of being responsible for one's actions.

ACL

See access control list.

active log

See recovery log.

adapter

An interface between WebSphere MQ for z/OS and TSO, IMS, CICS, or batch address spaces. An adapter is an attachment facility that enables applications to access WebSphere MQ services.

address space

The area of virtual storage available for a particular job.

administration bag

In the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI), a type of data bag that is created for administering WebSphere MQ by implying that it can change the order of data items, create lists, and check selectors within a message.

administrator command

A command used to manage WebSphere MQ objects, such as queues, processes, and namelists.

Advanced Program-to-Program Communication (APPC)

An implementation of the SNA LU 6.2 protocol that allows interconnected systems to communicate and share the processing of programs.

affinity

An association between objects that have some relationship or dependency upon each other.

alert

A message sent to a management services focal point in a network to identify a problem or an impending problem.

alert monitor

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a component of the CICS adapter that handles unscheduled events occurring as a result of connection requests to WebSphere MQ for z/OS.

alias queue object

A WebSphere MQ object, the name of which is an alias for a base queue defined to the local queue manager. When an application or a queue manager uses an alias queue, the alias name is resolved and the requested operation is performed on the associated base queue.

allied address space (ally)

A z/OS address space that is connected to WebSphere MQ for z/OS.

ally

See allied address space.

alternate user authority

The ability of a user ID to supply a different user ID for security checks. When an application opens a WebSphere MQ object, it can supply a user ID on the MQOPEN or MQPUT1 call that the queue manager uses for authority checks instead of the one associated with the application.

alternate user security

On z/OS, the authority checks that are performed when an application requests alternate user authority when opening a WebSphere MQ object.

APAR

See authorized program analysis report.

API-crossing exit

A user written program that is similar in concept to an API exit. It is supported only for CICS applications on WebSphere MQ for z/OS.

API exit

A user-written program that monitors or modifies the function of an MQI call. For each MQI call issued by an application, the API exit is invoked before the queue manager starts to process the call and again after the queue manager has completed processing the call. The API exit can inspect and modify any of the parameters on the MQI call.

APPC

See Advanced Program-to-Program Communication.

application-defined format

Application data in a message for which the user application defines the meaning. See also built-in format.

application environment

The software facilities that are accessible by an application program. On the z/OS platform, CICS and IMS are examples of application environments.

application level security

The security services that are invoked when an application issues an MQI call.

application log

In Windows systems, a log that records significant application events.

application queue

A local queue which, when it has triggering set on and when the triggering conditions are met, requires that trigger messages are written.

archive log

See recovery log.

ARM

See automatic restart manager.

asymmetric key cryptography

A system of cryptography that uses two keys: a public key known to everyone and a private key known only to the receiver or sender of the message. See also public-private key, symmetric key cryptography.

asynchronous messaging

A method of communication between programs in which a program places a message on a message queue, then proceeds with its own processing without waiting for a reply to its message. See also synchronous messaging.

attribute

(1) In object oriented programming, a property of an object or class that can be distinguished distinctly from any other properties. Attributes often describe state information.

(2) A characteristic or trait of an entity that describes the entity; for example, the telephone number of an employee is one of that employee's attributes. An attribute may have a type, which indicates the range of information given by the attribute, and a value, which is within that range. In XML, for example, an attribute consists of a name-value pair within a tagged element, that modifies features of the element.

authentication

The security service that provides proof that a user of a computer system is genuinely who that person claims to be. Common mechanisms for implementing this service are passwords and digital signatures. Authentication is distinct from authorization; authentication is not concerned with granting or denying access to system resources.

authority check

See authorization check.

authorization

The process of granting or denying access to a network resource. Security systems use a two-step process: after authentication has verified that a user is who she says she is, authorization allows the user access to various resources based on the user's identity.

authorization check

A security check that is performed when a user or application attempts to access a system resource; for example, when an administrator attempts to issue a command to administer WebSphere MQ or when an application attempts to connect to a queue manager. Authorization checks are also known as authority checks and are performed as part of the access control security service.

authorization file

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems, a file that provides security definitions for an object, a class of objects, or all classes of objects.

authorization service

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for Windows, a service that provides authority checking of commands and MQI calls for the user identifier associated with the command or call.

authorized program analysis report (APAR)

A request for correction of a defect in a current release of an IBM-supplied program.

automatic restart manager (ARM)

A z/OS recovery function that can improve the availability of specific batch jobs or started tasks, and therefore result in faster resumption of productive work.

 

B

backout

An operation that reverses all the changes made during the current unit of recovery or unit of work. After the operation is complete, a new unit of recovery or unit of work begins. See also commit.

bag

See data bag.

basic mapping support (BMS)

An interface between CICS and application programs that formats input and output display data and routes multiple-page output messages without regard for control characters used by various terminals.

behavior

In object-oriented programming, the functionality embodied within a method.

BMS

See basic mapping support.

Booch methodology

An object-oriented methodology that helps users design systems using the object-oriented paradigm.

bootstrap data set (BSDS)

A VSAM data set that contains an inventory of all active and archived log data sets known to WebSphere MQ for z/OS, and a wrap-around inventory of all recent WebSphere MQ for z/OS activity. The BSDS is required to restart the WebSphere MQ for z/OS subsystem.

browse

In message queuing, to use the MQGET call to copy a message without removing it from the queue.

browse cursor

In message queuing, an indicator used when browsing a queue to identify the message that is next in sequence.

BSDS

See bootstrap data set.

buffer pool

An area of main storage used for WebSphere MQ for z/OS queues, messages, and object definitions. See also page set.

built-in format

Application data in a message for which the queue manager defines the meaning. See also application-defined format.

 

C

CA

See certificate authority.

call back

In WebSphere MQ, a requester message channel initiates a transfer from a sender channel by first calling the sender, then closing down and awaiting a call back.

CCF

See channel control function.

CCSID

See coded character set identifier.

CDF

See channel definition file.

certificate authority (CA)

A trusted third-party organization or company that issues the digital certificates used to create digital signatures and public-private key pairs. The certificate authority guarantees that the individual granted the unique certificate is, in fact, who she claims to be. The role of the CA is to authenticate the entities (individuals or organizations) involved in electronic transactions. CAs are a critical component in data security and electronic commerce because they guarantee that the two parties exchanging information are really who they claim to be.

certificate revocation list

A list of certificates that have been revoked before their scheduled expiration date. CRLs are maintained by the certification authority and used, during SSL handshaking, to ensure that the certificates involved have not been revoked.

certificate store

The Windows name for a key repository.

CFStruct

A WebSphere MQ object used to describe the queue manager's use of a Coupling Facility list structure

channel control function (CCF)

A program to move messages from a transmission queue to a communication link, and from a communication link to a local queue, together with an operator panel interface to allow the setup and control of channels.

channel definition file (CDF)

A file containing communication channel definitions that associate transmission queues with communication links.

channel event

An event reporting conditions detected during channel operations, such as when a channel instance is started or stopped. Channel events are generated on the queue managers at both ends of the channel.

channel exit program

A user-written program that is called from one of a defined number of places in the processing sequence of a message channel agent (MCA).

channel initiator

A component of WebSphere MQ distributed queuing that monitors the initiation queue to see when triggering criteria have been met and then starts the sender channel.

channel listener

A component of WebSphere MQ distributed queuing that monitors the network for a startup request and then starts the receiving channel.

checkpoint

A place in a program at which a check is made, or at which a recording of data is made to allow the program to be restarted in case of interruption.

CI

See control interval.

CipherSpec

The combination of encryption algorithm and hash function applied to an SSL message after authentication completes.

cipher suite

The combination of authentication, key exchange algorithm, and CipherSpec used by SSL for secure exchange of data.

ciphertext

Data that has been encrypted. Ciphertext is unreadable until it has been converted into plaintext (decrypted) with a key. See also plaintext.

circular logging

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for Windows, the process of keeping all restart data in a ring of log files. See also linear logging.

CL

See Command Language.

class

In object-oriented design or programming, a model or template that can be used to create objects with a common definition and common properties, operations, and behavior. An object is an instance of a class.

class hierarchy

The relationships between classes that share a single inheritance. In Java programming, all classes inherit from the Object class.

class library

In object-oriented programming, a collection of prewritten classes or coded templates, any of which can be specified and used by a programmer when developing an application.

client

A run-time component that provides access to queuing services on a server for local user applications. The queues used by the applications reside on the server. See also WebSphere MQ client.

client application

An application, running on a workstation and linked to a client, that gives the application access to queuing services on a server.

client connection channel type

The type of MQI channel definition associated with a WebSphere MQ client. See also server connection channel type.

CLUSRCVR

See cluster-receiver channel.

CLUSSDR

See cluster-sender channel.

cluster

(1) In Microsoft Cluster Server, a group of computers, connected together and configured in such a way that, if one fails, MSCS performs a failover, transferring the state data of applications from the failing computer to another computer in the cluster and reinitiating their operation there.

(2) In WebSphere MQ, a group or two or more queue managers on one or more computers, providing automatic interconnection, and allowing queues to be shared amongst them for load balancing and redundancy.

cluster queue

A queue that is hosted by a cluster queue manager and made available to other queue managers in the cluster.

cluster queue manager

A queue manager that is a member of a cluster. A queue manager can be a member of more than one cluster.

cluster-receiver channel (CLUSRCVR)

A channel on which a cluster queue manager can receive messages from other queue managers in the cluster, and cluster information from the repository queue managers.

cluster-sender channel (CLUSSDR)

A channel on which a cluster queue manager can send messages to other queue managers in the cluster, and cluster information to the repository queue managers.

cluster transmission queue

A transmission queue that holds all messages from a queue manager destined for another queue manager that is in the same cluster. The queue is called SYSTEM.CLUSTER.TRANSMIT.QUEUE.

coded character set identifier (CCSID)

The name of a coded set of characters and their code point assignments.

command

In WebSphere MQ, an administration instruction that can be carried out by the queue manager.

command bag

In the MQAI, a type of bag that is created for administering WebSphere MQ objects, but cannot change the order of data items or create lists within a message.

Command Language (CL)

In WebSphere MQ for iSeries, a language that can be used to issue commands, either at the command line or by writing a CL program.

command prefix (CPF)

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a character string that identifies the queue manager to which WebSphere MQ for z/OS commands are directed, and from which WebSphere MQ for z/OS operator messages are received.

command processor

The WebSphere MQ component that processes commands.

command server

The WebSphere MQ component that reads commands from the system-command input queue, verifies them, and passes valid commands to the command processor.

commit

An operation that applies all the changes made during the current unit of recovery or unit of work. After the operation is complete, a new unit of recovery or unit of work begins. See also backout.

completion code

A return code indicating how a message queue interface (MQI) call has ended.

confidentiality

The security service that protects sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. Encryption is a common mechanism for implementing this service.

configuration event

Notifications about the attributes of an object. The notifications are generated when the object is created, changed, or deleted and also by explicit requests.

configuration file

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for iSeries, a file that contains configuration information for logs, communications, or installable services. See also stanza.

connect

The means by which an application gains access to a queue manager and its resources.

connection handle

The identifier or token by which a program accesses the queue manager to which it is connected.

constructor

In object-oriented programming, a special method used to initialize an object.

context

Information about the originator of a message that is held in fields in the message descriptor. There are two categories of context information: identity context and origin context. Context is also known as message context.

context security

On z/OS, the authority checks that are performed when an application opens a queue and specifies that it will set the context in messages that it puts on the queue, or pass the context from messages that it has received to messages that it puts on the queue.

control command

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for Windows, a command that can be entered interactively from the operating system command line. Such a command requires only that the WebSphere MQ product be installed; it does not require a special utility or program to run it.

control interval (CI)

A fixed-length area of direct access storage in which VSAM stores records and creates distributed free space. The control interval is the unit of information that VSAM transmits to or from direct access storage. A control interval always includes an integral number of physical records.

controlled shutdown

See quiesced shutdown. See also immediate shutdown, preemptive shutdown.

coupling facility

On z/OS, a special logical partition that provides high-speed caching, list processing, and locking functions in a parallel sysplex.

CPF

See command prefix.

cross-system coupling facility (XCF)

A component of OS/390 that provides functions to support cooperation between authorized programs running within a Parallel Sysplex.

cryptography

Protecting information by transforming it (encrypting it) into an unreadable format, called ciphertext. Only those who possess a secret key can decipher (or decrypt) the message into plaintext.

 

D

DAE

See dump analysis and elimination.

daemon

A program that runs unattended to perform continuous or periodic functions, such as network control.

data bag

A container of object properties that the MQAI uses in administering queue managers. There are three types of data bag: user (for user data), administration (for administration with assumed options), and command (for administration with no options assumed).

data conversion interface (DCI)

TheWebSphere MQ interface to which customer- or vendor-written programs that convert application data between different machine encodings and CCSIDs must conform. A part of the WebSphere MQ Framework.

data-conversion service

A service that converts application data to the character set and encoding that are required by applications on other platforms.

datagram

A form of asynchronous messaging in which an application sends a message, but does not require a response.

data integrity

The security service that detects whether there has been unauthorized modification of data, or tampering. The service detects only whether data has been modified; it does not restore data to its original state if it has been modified.

data item

In the MQAI, an item contained within a data bag. This can be an integer item or a character-string item, and a user item or a system item.

DCE principal

A user ID that uses the distributed computing environment.

DCI

See data conversion interface.

DCM

See Digital Certificate Manager.

dead-letter queue

A queue to which a queue manager or application sends messages that cannot be delivered to their correct destination.

dead-letter queue handler

A WebSphere MQ-supplied utility that monitors a dead-letter queue (DLQ) and processes messages on the queue in accordance with a user-written rules table.

decryption

The process of decoding data that has been encrypted into a secret format. Decryption requires a secret key or password.

default object

A definition of an object (for example, a queue) with all attributes defined. If a user defines an object but does not specify all possible attributes for that object, the queue manager uses default attributes in place of any that were not specified.

deferred connection

A pending event that is activated when a CICS subsystem tries to connect to WebSphere MQ for z/OS before it has started.

derivation

In object-oriented programming, the refinement or extension of one class from another.

digital certificate

An electronic document used to identify an individual, server, company, or some other entity, and to associate a public key with the entity. A digital certificate is issued by a certification authority and is digitally signed by that authority.

Digital Certificate Manager (DCM)

On OS/400 systems, the method of managing digital certificates and using them in secure applications on the iSeries server. Digital Certificate Manager requests and processes digital certificates from certification authorities (CAs) or other third-parties.

digital signature

Information that is encrypted with a private key and is appended to a message to assure the recipient of the authenticity and integrity of the message. The digital signature proves that the message was signed by the entity that owns, or has access to, the private key or shared secret symmetric key.

distinguished name

A set of name-value pairs (such as CN=person's name and C=country or region) that uniquely identify an entity in a digital certificate.

distributed application

In message queuing, a set of application programs that can each be connected to a different queue manager, but that collectively comprise a single application.

Distributed Computing Environment

In network computing, a set of services and tools that supports the creation, use, and maintenance of distributed applications across heterogeneous platforms. DCE is independent of the operating system and network. DCE was developed by the Open Software Foundation (OSF) and is typically used in a larger network of computing systems.

distributed queue management

In message queuing, the setup and control of message channels to queue managers on other systems.

distribution list

A list of queues to which a message can be put using a single MQPUT or MQPUT1 statement.

dual logging

A method of recording WebSphere MQ for z/OS activity, where each change is recorded on two data sets, so that if a restart is necessary and one data set is unreadable, the other can be used. See also single logging.

dual mode

See dual logging. See also single logging.

dump analysis and elimination (DAE)

A z/OS service that enables an installation to suppress SVC dumps and ABEND SYSUDUMP dumps that are not needed because they duplicate previously written dumps.

dynamic queue

A local queue created when a program opens a model queue object.

 

E

eavesdropping

A breach of communication security in which the information remains intact, but its privacy is compromised. See also impersonation, tampering.

encapsulation

In object-oriented programming, the technique that is used to hide the inherent details of an object, function, or class from client programs. Client programs are only required to know the interface of a class (the signatures of the methods of the class and the names of the attributes of the class) to use the methods and attributes of the class.

encryption

In computer security, the process of transforming data into an unintelligible form in such a way that the original data either cannot be obtained or can be obtained only by using a decryption process.

enqueue

To put a message on a queue.

environment variable

A variable that specifies how an operating system or another program runs, or the devices that the operating system recognizes.

ESM

See external security manager.

ESTAE

See extended specify task abnormal exit.

event data

In an event message, the part of the message data that contains information about the event (such as the queue manager name, and the application that gave rise to the event). See also event header.

event header

In an event message, the part of the message data that identifies the event type of the reason code for the event. See also event data.

event message

A message that contains information (such as the category of event, the name of the application that caused the event, and queue manager statistics) relating to the origin of an instrumentation event in a network of WebSphere MQ systems.

event queue

The queue onto which the queue manager puts an event message after it detects an event. Each category of event (queue manager, performance, configuration, instrumentation, or channel event) has its own event queue.

Event Viewer

A tool provided by Windows systems to examine and manage log files.

exclusive method

In object-oriented programming, a method that is not intended to exhibit polymorphism; one with specific effect.

extended specify task abnormal exit (ESTAE)

A z/OS macro that provides recovery capability and gives control to the user-specified exit routine for processing, diagnosing an abend, or specifying a retry address.

external security manager (ESM)

A security product that performs security checking on users and resources. RACF is an example of an ESM.

 

F

failover

An operation in which Microsoft Cluster Server detects a failure in an application on one computer in the cluster, and shuts down the disrupted application in an orderly manner, transfers its state data to the other computer, and re-initiates the application there.

FAP

See Formats and Protocols.

FFST file

See First Failure Support Technology file.

FIFO

See first-in-first-out.

First Failure Support Technology file (FFST file)

A file containing information for use in detecting and diagnosing software problems. In WebSphere MQ, FFST files have a file type of FDC.

first-in-first-out (FIFO)

A queuing technique in which the next item to be retrieved is the item that has been in the queue for the longest time.

forced shutdown

A type of shutdown of the CICS adapter where the adapter immediately disconnects from WebSphere MQ for z/OS, regardless of the state of any currently active tasks. See also quiesced shutdown.

format

In message queuing, a term used to identify the nature of application data in a message.

Formats and Protocols (FAP)

In message queuing, a definition of how queue managers communicate with each other, and of how clients communicate with server queue managers.

Framework

In WebSphere MQ, a collection of programming interfaces that allow customers or vendors to write programs that extend or replace certain functions provided in WebSphere MQ products. The interfaces are the following: data conversion interface (DCI), message channel interface (MCI), name service interface (NSI), security enabling interface (SEI), trigger monitor interface (TMI).

friend class

In object-oriented programming, a class in which all the member functions are granted access to the private and protected members of another class. It is named in the declaration of another class and uses the keyword friend as a prefix to the class.

FRR

See functional recovery routine.

full repository

A complete set of information about every queue manager in a cluster. This set of information is called the repository or sometimes the full repository and is usually held by two of the queue managers in the cluster. See also partial repository.

function

A named group of statements that can be called and evaluated and can return a value to the calling statement.

functional recovery routine (FRR)

A z/OS recovery and termination manager that enables a recovery routine to gain control in the event of a program interrupt.

 

G

generalized trace facility (GTF)

An optional z/OS service program that records significant system events, such as supervisor calls and start I/O operations, for the purpose of problem determination.

Generic Security Services Application Programming Interface (GSS API)

A common application programming interface (API) for accessing security services.

get

In message queuing, to use the MQGET call to remove a message from a queue.

globally defined object

On z/OS, an object whose definition is stored in the shared repository. The object is available to all queue managers in the queue-sharing group. See also locally defined object.

global trace

A WebSphere MQ for z/OS trace option where the trace data comes from the entire WebSphere MQ for z/OS subsystem.

GSS API

See Generic Security Services Application Programming Interface.

GTF

See generalized trace facility.

 

H

handshake

The exchange of messages at the start of a Secure Sockets Layer session that allows the client to authenticate the server using public key techniques (and, optionally, for the server to authenticate the client), then allows the client and server to cooperate in creating symmetric keys for encryption, decryption, and detection of tampering.

hardened message

A message that is written to auxiliary (disk) storage so that the message is not lost in the event of a system failure.

heartbeat

In software products, a signal that one entity sends to another to convey that it is still active.

heartbeat flow

A pulse that is passed from a sending message channel agent (MCA) to a receiving MCA when there are no messages to send. The pulse unblocks the receiving MCA, which would otherwise remain in a wait state until a message arrived or the disconnect interval expired.

heartbeat interval

The time, in seconds, that is to elapse between heartbeat flows.

 

I

ICE

See Intersystem Communications Environment.

identification

The security service that enables each user of a computer system to be identified uniquely. A common mechanism for implementing this service is to associate a user ID with each user.

IFCID

See instrumentation facility component identifier.

ILE

See Integrated Language Environment.

immediate shutdown

In WebSphere MQ, a shutdown of a queue manager that does not wait for applications to disconnect. Current message queue interface (MQI) calls are allowed to complete, but new MQI calls fail after an immediate shutdown has been requested. See also controlled shutdown, preemptive shutdown.

impersonation

A breach of communication security in which the information is passed to a person posing as the intended receiver or information is sent by a person posing as someone else. See also eavesdropping, tampering.

inbound channel

A channel that receives messages from another queue manager.

in-built format

See built-in format. See also application-defined format.

index

In the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI), a means of referencing data items.

in-doubt unit of recovery

In WebSphere MQ, the status of a unit of recovery for which a syncpoint has been requested but not yet confirmed.

inheritance

An object-oriented programming technique that allows the use of existing classes as a basis for creating other classes.

initialization input data set

A data set used by WebSphere MQ for z/OS when it starts up.

initiation queue

A local queue on which the queue manager puts trigger messages.

input parameter

A parameter of an MQI call in which you supply information when you make the call.

insertion order

In the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI), the order that data items are placed into a data bag.

installable service

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for Windows, additional functionality provided as independent component. The installation of each component is optional: in-house or third-party components can be used instead.

instance

In C, an object.

instance data

In object-oriented programming, state information associated with an object.

instrumentation event

A way of monitoring queue manager resource definitions, performance conditions, and channel conditions in a network of WebSphere MQ systems.

instrumentation facility component identifier (IFCID)

In DB2 Universal Database for z/OS and OS/390, a value that names and identifies a trace record of an event that can be traced. As a parameter on the START TRACE and MODIFY TRACE commands, it specifies that the corresponding event is to be traced.

Integrated Language Environment (ILE)

A set of constructs and interfaces that provides a common run-time environment and run-time bindable application program interfaces (APIs) for all ILE-conforming high-level languages.

Interactive Problem Control System (IPCS)

A component of MVS and z/OS that permits online problem management, interactive problem diagnosis, online debugging for disk-resident abend dumps, problem tracking, and problem reporting.

Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF)

An IBM licensed program that serves as a full-screen editor and dialog manager. Used for writing application programs, it provides a means of generating standard screen panels and interactive dialogs between the application programmer and terminal user. ISPF consists of four major components: DM, PDF, SCLM, and C/S. The DM component is the DialogManager, which provides services to dialogs and end-users. The PDF component is the ProgramDevelopment Facility, which provides services to assist the dialog or application developer. The SCLM component is the Software Configuration Library Manager, which provides services to applicationdevelopers to manage their application development libraries. The C/S component is the Client/Server, which allows you to run ISPF on programmable workstation, to display the panels using the displayfunction of your workstation operating system, and to integrate workstation tools and data with host toolsand data.

interface

In object-oriented programming, an abstract model of behavior; a collection of functions or methods.

Internet Protocol (IP)

A protocol that routes data through a network or interconnected networks. Internet Protocol (IP) acts as an intermediary between the higher protocol layers and the physical network. See also Transmission Control Protocol.

interprocess communication (IPC)

The process by which programs communicate data to each other and synchronize their activities. Semaphores, signals, and internal message queues are common methods of interprocess communication.

intersystem communication (ISC)

A CICS facility that provides inbound and outbound support for communication from other computer systems.

Intersystem Communications Environment (ICE)

A family of Compaq-based software products that enables you to access a variety of applications on Compaq computers.

IP

See Internet Protocol.

IPC

See interprocess communication.

IPCS

See Interactive Problem Control System.

ISC

See intersystem communication.

ISPF

See Interactive System Productivity Facility.

 

J

Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

A subset of the Sun Microsystems Java Development Kit (JDK) that contains the core executable programs and files that constitute the standard Java platform. The JRE includes the Java virtual machine (JVM), core classes, and supporting files.

journal

A feature of OS/400 that WebSphere MQ for iSeries uses to control updates to local objects. Each queue manager library contains a journal for that queue manager.

JRE

See Java Runtime Environment.

 

K

Kerberos

An authentication system developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that enables two parties to exchange private information over an otherwise open network. It works by assigning a unique key, called a ticket, to each user that logs on to the network. The ticket is then embedded in messages that are sent over the network. The receiver of a message uses the ticket to authenticate the sender.

key authentication

See authentication.

key repository

A store for digital certificates and their associated private keys.

key ring

z/OS name for a key repository.

 

L

LDAP

See Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

An open protocol that uses TCP/IP to provide access to directories that support an X.500 model and that does not incur the resource requirements of the more complex X.500 Directory Access Protocol (DAP). For example, LDAP can be used to locate people, organizations, and other resources in an Internet or intranet directory.

linear logging

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems, and WebSphere MQ for Windows, the process of keeping restart data in a sequence of files. New files are added to the sequence as necessary. The space in which the data is written is not reused. See also circular logging.

link level security

The security services that are invoked, directly or indirectly, by a message channel agent (MCA), the communications subsystem, or a combination of the two working together.

listener

A program that detects incoming requests and starts the associated channel.

local definition of a remote queue

A WebSphere MQ object belonging to a local queue manager that defines the attributes of a queue that is owned by another queue manager. In addition, it is used for queue-manager aliasing and reply-to-queue aliasing.

locale

On UNIX systems, a subset of a user's environment that defines conventions for a specific culture (such as time, numeric, or monetary formatting and character classification, collation, or conversion). The queue manager CCSID is derived from the locale of the user ID that created the queue manager.

locally defined object

On z/OS, an object whose definition is stored on page set zero. The definition can be accessed only by the queue manager that defined it. See also globally defined object.

local queue

A queue that belongs to the local queue manager. A local queue can contain a list of messages waiting to be processed. See also remote queue.

local queue manager

The queue manager to which the program is connected. and that provides message queuing services to the program. A queue manager to which a program is not connected is called a remote queue manager, even if it is running on the same system as the program. See also remote queue manager.

log

In WebSphere MQ, a file recording the work done by queue managers while they receive, transmit, and deliver messages, to enable them to recover in the event of failure.

log control file

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems, and WebSphere MQ for Windows, the file containing information needed to monitor the use of log files (for example, their size and location, and the name of the next available file).

log file

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems, and WebSphere MQ for Windows, a file in which all significant changes to the data controlled by a queue manager are recorded. If the primary log files become full, WebSphere MQ allocates secondary log files.

logical unit (LU)

In SNA, a port or window through which a user accesses the SNA network to communicate with another user, and uses the functions provided by system services control points (SSCPs). An LU can support at least two sessions--one with an SSCP and one with another LU--and may be capable of supporting many sessions with other LUs.

logical unit 6.2

(1) A type of logical unit that supports general communications between programs in a distributed processing environment. LU 6.2 is characterized by (a) a peer relationship between session partners, (b) efficient use of a session for multiple transactions, (c) comprehensive end-to-end error processing, and (d) a generic application programming interface (API) consisting of structured verbs that are mapped into a product implementation.

(2) The LU type that supports sessions between two applications using APPC.

logical unit of work identifier (LUWID)

A name (consisting of a fully qualified LU network name, a logical-unit-of-work (LUW) instance number, and an LUW sequence number) that uniquely identifies a logical unit of work within a network.

log record sequence number (LRSN)

An alternative technique to RBA for addressing log records.

LRSN

See log record sequence number.

LU

See logical unit.

LU 6.2 conversation

In SNA, a logical connection between two transaction programs over an LU 6.2 session that enables them to communicate with each other.

LU 6.2 conversation level security

In SNA, a conversation level security protocol that enables a partner transaction program to authenticate the transaction program that initiated the conversation. LU 6.2 conversation level security is also known as end user verification.

LU 6.2 session

In SNA, a session between two logical units (LUs) of type 6.2.

LU name

In a z/OS or OS/390 environment, the name by which VTAM refers to a node in a network. See also logical unit.

LUWID

See logical unit of work identifier.

 

M

marshaling

See serialization.

MCA

See message channel agent.

MCI

See message channel interface.

media image

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for Windows, the sequence of log records that contain an image of an object. The object can be re-created from this image.

message

(1) A communication sent from a person or program to another person or program.

(2) In system programming, information intended for the terminal operator or system administrator.

message channel

In distributed message queuing, a mechanism for moving messages from one queue manager to another. A message channel comprises two message channel agents (a sender at one end and a receiver at the other end) and a communication link.

message channel agent (MCA)

A program that transmits prepared messages from a transmission queue to a communication link, or from a communication link to a destination queue. See also Message Queue Interface.

message channel interface (MCI)

The WebSphere MQ interface to which customer- or vendor-written programs that transmit messages between a WebSphere MQ queue manager and another messaging system must conform. A part of the WebSphere MQ Framework.

message descriptor

Control information describing the message format and presentation that is carried as part of a WebSphere MQ message. The format of the message descriptor is defined by the MQMD structure.

message exit

A type of channel exit program that is used to modify the contents of a message. Message exits usually work in pairs, one at each end of a channel. At the sending end of a channel, a message exit is called after the message channel agent (MCA) has got a message from the transmission queue. At the receiving end of a channel, a message exit is called before the message channel agent (MCA) puts a message on its destination queue.

message flow control

A distributed queue management task that involves setting up and maintaining message routes between queue managers.

Message Format Service (MFS)

An editing facility that allows application programs to deal with simple logical messages instead of device-dependent data, thus simplifying the application development process.

message group

A group of logical messages. Logical grouping of messages allows applications to group messages that are similar and to ensure the sequence of the messages.

message input descriptor (MID)

The MFS control block that describes the format of the data presented to the application program. See also message output descriptor.

message output descriptor (MOD)

The MFS control block that describes the format of the output data produced by the application program. See also message input descriptor.

message priority

In WebSphere MQ, an attribute of a message that can affect the order in which messages on a queue are retrieved, and whether a trigger event is generated.

Message Queue Interface (MQI)

The programming interface provided by WebSphere MQ queue managers. The programming interface allows application programs to access message queuing services. See also message channel agent.

message queue management (MQM)

In MQSeries for Compaq NonStop Kernel, a facility that provides access to PCF command formats and control commands to manage queue managers, queues, and channels.

message queuing

A programming technique in which each program within an application communicates with the other programs by putting messages on queues.

message-retry

An option available to an MCA that is unable to put a message. The MCA can wait for a predefined amount of time and then try to put the message again.

message segment

One of a number of segments of a message that is too large either for the application or for the queue manager to handle.

message sequence numbering

A programming technique in which messages are given unique numbers during transmission over a communication link. This enables the receiving process to check whether all messages are received, to place them in a queue in the original order, and to discard duplicate messages.

method

In object-oriented design or programming, the software that implements the behavior specified by an operation.

MFS

See Message Format Service.

Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS)

A technology that provides high availability by grouping computers into MSCS clusters. If one of the computers in the cluster hits any one of a range of problems, MSCS shuts down the disrupted application in an orderly manner, transfers its state data to another computer in the cluster, and re-initiates the application there.

Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS)

A facility that helps Windows users run business logic applications in a middle tier server. MTS divides work up into activities, which are short independent chunks of business logic.

MID

See message input descriptor.

MOD

See message output descriptor.

model queue object

A set of queue attributes that act as a template when a program creates a dynamic queue.

MQAI

See WebSphere MQ Administration Interface.

MQI

See Message Queue Interface.

MQI channel

A connection between a WebSphere MQ client and a queue manager on a server system. An MQI channel transfers only MQI calls and responses in a bidirectional manner.

MQM

See message queue management.

MQSC

See WebSphere MQ script commands.

MQSeries

A previous name for WebSphere MQ.

MSCS

See Microsoft Cluster Server.

MTS

See Microsoft Transaction Server.

multi-hop

To pass through one or more intermediate queue managers when there is no direct communication link between a source queue manager and the target queue manager.

 

N

namelist

A WebSphere MQ object that contains a list of names, for example, queue names.

name service

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for Windows, the facility that determines which queue manager owns a specified queue.

name service interface (NSI)

The WebSphere MQ interface to which customer- or vendor-written programs that resolve queue-name ownership must conform. A part of the WebSphere MQ Framework.

name transformation

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for Windows, an internal process that changes a queue manager name so that it is unique and valid for the system being used. Externally, the queue manager name remains unchanged.

nested bag

In the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI), a system bag that is inserted into another data bag

nesting

In the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI), a means of grouping information returned from WebSphere MQ.

NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System)

A standard interface to networks, and personal computers that is used on local area networks to provide message, print-server, and file-server functions. Application programs that use NetBIOS do not need to handle the details of LAN data link control (DLC) protocols.

Network Basic Input/Output System

See NetBIOS.

New Technology File System (NTSF)

A Windows recoverable file system that provides security for files.

node

In Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS), each computer in the cluster.

nonpersistent message

A message that does not survive a restart of the queue manager. See also persistent message.

NSI

See name service interface.

NTSF

See New Technology File System.

NUL

See null character.

null character (NUL)

The character hex 00 used to represent the absence of a displayed or printed character.

 

O

OAM

See object authority manager.

object

(1) In WebSphere MQ, a queue manager, a queue, a process definition, a channel, a namelist, authentication information object, or a storage class (z/OS only).

(2) In object-oriented design or programming, a concrete realization (instance) of a class that consists of data and the operations associated with that data. An object contains the instance data that is defined by the class, but the class owns the operations that are associated with the data.

object authority manager (OAM)

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems, WebSphere MQ for iSeries, and WebSphere MQ for Windows, the default authorization service for command and object management. The OAM can be replaced by, or run in combination with, a customer-supplied security service.

object descriptor

A data structure that identifies a particular WebSphere MQ object. Included in the descriptor are the name of the object and the object type.

object handle

The identifier or token by which a program accesses the WebSphere MQ object with which it is working.

object-oriented programming

A programming approach based on the concepts of data abstraction and inheritance. Unlike procedural programming techniques, object-oriented programming concentrates not on how something is accomplished but instead on what data objects comprise the problem and how they are manipulated.

offloading

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, an automatic process whereby a queue manager's active log is transferred to its archive log.

open systems interconnection (OSI)

The interconnection of open systems in accordance with standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the exchange of information.

Open Transaction Manager Access (OTMA)

A component of IMS that implements a transaction-based, connectionless client/server protocol in an MVS sysplex environment. The domain of the protocol is restricted to the domain of the MVS Cross-System Coupling Facility (XCF). OTMA connects clients to servers so that the client can support a large network (or a large number of sessions) while maintaining high performance.

OPM

See original program model.

original program model (OPM)

The set of functions for compiling source code and creating high-level language programs on the system before the Integrated Language Environment (ILE) model was introduced.

OSI

See open systems interconnection.

OSI directory standard

The standard, known as X.500, that defines a comprehensive directory service, including an information model, a namespace, a functional model, and an authentication framework. X.500 also defines the Directory Access Protocol (DAP) used by clients to access the directory. The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) removes some of the burden of X.500 access from directory clients, making the directory available to a wider variety of machines and applications.

OTMA

See Open Transaction Manager Access.

outbound channel

A channel that takes messages from a transmission queue and sends them to another queue manager.

output log-buffer

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a buffer that holds recovery log records before they are written to the archive log.

output parameter

A parameter of an MQI call in which the queue manager returns information when the call completes or fails.

overloading

The existence of more than one flavor of method with the same name or operator, but with different signatures, within a class. The name or operator remains the same, but the method parameters differ, with each signature requiring a separate implementation. Such methods usually exhibit the same behavior, despite differences in signature.

 

P

page set

A VSAM data set used when WebSphere MQ for z/OS moves data (for example, queues and messages) from buffers in main storage to permanent backing storage (DASD). See also buffer pool.

parent class

A class from which another class inherits instance methods, attributes, and instance variables. See also abstract class.

partial repository

A partial set of information about queue managers in a cluster. A partial repository is maintained by all cluster queue managers that do not host a full repository. See also full repository.

PCF

See programmable command format.

pending event

An unscheduled event that occurs as a result of a connect request from a CICS adapter.

percolation

In error recovery, the passing along a preestablished path of control from a recovery routine to a higher-level recovery routine.

performance event

A category of event indicating that a limit condition has occurred.

performance trace

A WebSphere MQ trace option where the trace data is to be used for performance analysis and tuning.

permanent dynamic queue

A dynamic queue that is deleted when it is closed only if deletion is explicitly requested. Permanent dynamic queues are recovered if the queue manager fails, so they can contain persistent messages. See also temporary dynamic queue.

persistent message

A message that survives a restart of the queue manager. See also nonpersistent message.

ping

The command that sends an Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo-request packet to a gateway, router, or host with the expectation of receiving a reply.

PKI

See public key infrastructure.

plaintext

In cryptography, any message that is not encrypted. See also ciphertext.

platform

In WebSphere MQ, the operating system under which a queue manager is running.

point of recovery

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a set of backup copies of WebSphere MQ for z/OS page sets and the corresponding log data sets required to recover these page sets. These backup copies provide a potential restart point in the event of page set loss (for example, page set I/O error).

polymorphism

An object-oriented programming characteristic that allows a method to perform differently, depending on the class that implements it. Polymorphism allows a subclass to override an inherited method without affecting the parent class's method. Polymorphism also enables a client to access two or more implementations of an object from a single interface.

preemptive shutdown

In WebSphere MQ, a shutdown of a queue manager that does not wait for connected applications to disconnect, or for current MQI calls to complete. See also controlled shutdown, immediate shutdown.

preferred computer

The primary computer used by an application running under Microsoft Cluster Server control. After a failover to another computer, MSCS monitors the preferred computer until it is repaired, and as soon as it is running correctly again, moves the application back to it.

principal

In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems and WebSphere MQ for Windows, a term used for a user identifier. Used by the object authority manager for checking authorizations to system resources.

privately defined object

See locally defined object. See also globally defined object.

private methods and instance data

In object-oriented programming, methods and instance data that are only accessible to the implementation of the same class.

process definition object

A WebSphere MQ object that contains the definition of a WebSphere MQ application. For example, a queue manager uses the definition when it works with trigger messages.

programmable command format (PCF)

A type of WebSphere MQ message used by the following applications: user administration applications, to put PCF commands onto the system command input queue of a specified queue manager, user administration applications, to get the results of a PCF command from a specified queue manager, and a queue manager, as a notification that an event has occurred. See also WebSphere MQ script commands.

program temporary fix (PTF)

For zSeries, iSeries, and pSeries products, a fix that is made available to all customers. A program temporary fix is tested by IBM. It contains a PTF record.

protected methods and instance data

In object-oriented programming, methods and instance data that are only accessible to the implementations of the same or derived classes, or from friend classes.

PTF

See program temporary fix.

public key cryptography

A cryptography system that uses two keys: a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message. The public and private keys are related in such a way that only the public key can be used to encrypt messages and only the corresponding private key can be used to decrypt them.

public key infrastructure (PKI)

A system of digital certificates, certification authorities, and other registration authorities that verify and authenticate the validity of each party involved in an Internet transaction.

public methods and instance data

In object oriented programming, methods and instance data that are accessible to all classes.

public-private key

A cryptography system that uses two keys: a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message. The public and private keys are related in such a way that only the public key can be used to encrypt messages and only the corresponding private key can be used to decrypt them. See also asymmetric key cryptography, symmetric key cryptography.

 

Q

queue

A WebSphere MQ object to which message queuing applications can put messages, and from which they can get messages. Local queues can contain a list of messages waiting to be processed. Queues of other types cannot contain messages: they point to other queues, or can be used as models for dynamic queues.

queue manager

(1) A system program that provides queuing services to applications. It provides an application programming interface so that programs can access messages on the queues that the queue manager owns.

(2) An object that defines the attributes of a particular queue manager.

queue manager event

An event that indicates one of the following: an error condition has occurred in relation to the resources used by a queue manager. For example, a queue is unavailable, or a significant change has occurred in the queue manager. For example, a queue manager has stopped or started.

queue manager level security

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, the authorization checks that are performed using RACF profiles specific to a queue manager.

queue-sharing group

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a group of queue managers in the same sysplex that can access a single set of object definitions stored in the shared repository, and a single set of shared queues stored in the coupling facility. See also shared queue.

queue-sharing group level security

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, the authorization checks that are performed using RACF profiles that are shared by all queue managers in a queue-sharing group.

quiesced shutdown

(1) A type of shutdown of the CICS adapter where the adapter disconnects from WebSphere MQ, but only after all the currently active tasks have been completed. See also forced shutdown.

(2) In WebSphere MQ, a shutdown of a queue manager that allows all connected applications to disconnect. See also immediate shutdown, preemptive shutdown.

quiescing

In WebSphere MQ, the state of a queue manager before it stops. In this state, programs are allowed to finish processing, but no new programs are allowed to start.

quorum disk

The disk accessed exclusively by Microsoft Cluster Server to store the cluster recovery log, and to determine whether a server is up or down. Only one server can own the quorum disk at a time. Servers in the cluster can negotiate for the ownership.

 

R

RACF

See Resource Access Control Facility.

RAID

See Redundant Array of Independent Disks.

RBA

See relative byte address.

reason code

A return code that describes the reason for the failure or partial success of a Message Queue Interface (MQI) call.

receive exit

A type of channel exit program that is called just after the message channel agent (MCA) has regained control following a communications receive and has received a unit of data from a communications connection. See also send exit.

receiver channel

In message queuing, a channel that responds to a sender channel, takes messages from a communication link, and puts them on a local queue.

recovery log

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, data sets containing information needed to recover messages, queues, and the WebSphere MQ subsystem. WebSphere MQ for z/OS writes each record to a data set called the active log. When the active log is full, its contents are off-loaded to a DASD or tape data set called the archive log.

recovery termination manager (RTM)

A program that handles all normal and abnormal termination of tasks by passing control to a recovery routine associated with the terminating function.

Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)

A collection of two or more disk physical drives that present to the host an image of one or more logical disk drives. In the event of a single physical device failure, the data can be read or regenerated from the other disk drives in the array due to data redundancy.

reference message

A message that refers to a piece of data that is to be transmitted. The reference message is handled by message exit programs, which attach and detach the data from the message so allowing the data to be transmitted without having to be stored on any queues.

registry

In a Microsoft Windows operating system, a database that contains system configuration information regarding the user, the hardware, and the programs and applications that are installed. Windows operating systems refer to the registry during operation.

Registry Editor

In Windows, the program item that allows the user to edit the registry.

registry hive

In Windows systems, the structure of the data stored in the registry.

relative byte address (RBA)

The offset of a data record or control interval from the beginning of the storage space that is allocated to the data set or file to which it belongs.

remote queue

A queue that belongs to a remote queue manager. Programs can put messages on remote queues, but they cannot get messages from remote queues. See also local queue.

remote queue manager

To a program, a queue manager that is not the one to which the program is connected. See also local queue manager.

remote queue object

A WebSphere MQ object belonging to a local queue manager. This object defines the attributes of a queue that is owned by another queue manager. In addition, it is used for queue-manager aliasing and reply-to-queue aliasing.

remote queuing

In message queuing, the provision of services to enable applications to put messages on queues belonging to other queue managers.

reply message

A type of message used for replies to request messages. See also report message, request message.

reply-to queue

The name of a queue to which the program that issued an MQPUT call wants a reply message or report message sent.

report message

A type of message that gives information about another message. A report message can indicate that a message has been delivered, has arrived at its destination, has expired, or could not be processed for some reason. See also reply message, request message.

repository

A collection of information about the queue managers that are members of a cluster. This information includes queue manager names, their locations, their channels, what queues they host, and so on.

repository queue manager

A queue manager that hosts the full repository of information about a cluster.

requester channel

In message queuing, a channel that can be started locally to initiate operation of a server channel. See also server channel.

request message

A type of message used to request a reply from another program. See also reply message, report message.

request/reply

A type of messaging application in which a request message is used to request a reply from another application.

RESLEVEL

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, an option that controls the number of CICS user IDs checked for API-resource security.

resolution path

The set of queues that are opened when an application specifies an alias or a remote queue on input to an MQOPEN call.

resource

Any facility of a computing system or operating system required by a job, task, or executing program. Resources include main storage, input/output devices, the processing unit, data sets, files, libraries, folders, and control or processing programs. In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, examples of resources are buffer pools, page sets, log data sets, queues, and messages.

Resource Access Control Facility (RACF)

An IBM licensed program that provides access control by identifying users to the system; verifying users of the system; authorizing access to protected resources; logging detected, unauthorized attempts to enter the system; and logging detected accesses to protected resources.

resource manager

An application, program, or transaction that manages and controls access to shared resources such as memory buffers and data sets. WebSphere MQ, CICS, and IMS are resource managers.

Resource Recovery Services (RRS)

A z/OS facility that provides two-phase sync point support across participating resource managers.

responder

In distributed queuing, a program that replies to network connection requests from another system.

resynch

In WebSphere MQ, an option to direct a channel to start up and resolve any in-doubt status messages, but without restarting message transfer.

return code

The collective name for completion codes and reason codes.

return-to-sender

An option available to an MCA that is unable to deliver a message. The MCA can send the message back to the originator.

Rivest-Shamir-Adleman algorithm (RSA)

A public-key encryption technology developed by RSA Data Security, Inc, and used in our implementation of SSL. The acronym stands for Rivest, Shamir, and Adelman, the inventors of the technique.

rollback

See backout. See also commit.

RRS

See Resource Recovery Services.

RSA

See Rivest-Shamir-Adleman algorithm.

RTM

See recovery termination manager.

rules table

A control file containing one or more rules that the dead-letter queue handler applies to messages on the dead letter queue (DLQ).

 

S

SAF

See System Authorization Facility.

Scalable Parallel 2 (SP2)

IBM's parallel UNIX system: effectively parallel AIX systems on a high-speed network.

SDK

See software development kit.

SDWA

See system diagnostic work area.

SECMEC

See security mechanism.

Secure Sockets Layer

A security protocol that provides communication privacy. SSL enables client/server applications to communicate in a way that is designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery.

security enabling interface (SEI)

The WebSphere MQ interface to which customer- or vendor-written programs that check authorization, supply a user identifier, or perform authentication must conform. A part of theWebSphere MQ Framework.

security exit

A channel exit program that is called immediately after the initial data negotiation has completed on channel startup. Security exits normally work in pairs and can be called on both message channels and MQI channels. The primary purpose of the security exit is to enable the message channel agent (MCA) at each end of a channel to authenticate its partner.

security identifier

On Windows systems, a supplement to the user ID that identifies the full user account details on the Windows security account manager database where the user is defined.

security mechanism (SECMEC)

A technical tool or technique that is used to implement a security service. A mechanism might operate by itself, or in conjunction with others, to provide a particular service. Examples of security mechanisms include access control lists, cryptography, and digital signatures.

security message

One of the messages, sent by security exits that are called at both ends of a channel, to communicate with each other. The format of a security message is not defined and is determined by the user.

security service

A service within a computer system that protect its resources. Access control is an example of a security service.

Security Support Provider Interface (SSI)

The means for networked applications to call one of several security support providers (SSPs) to establish authenticated connections and to exchange data securely over those connections. It is available for use on Windows systems.

SEI

See security enabling interface.

selector

An identifier for a data item. In the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI), there are two types of selector: a user selector and a system selector.

semaphore

In UNIX systems, a general method of communication between two processes that extends the features of signals.

sender channel

In message queuing, a channel that initiates transfers, removes messages from a transmission queue, and moves them over a communication link to a receiver or requester channel.

send exit

A type of channel exit program that is called just before a message channel agent (MCA) issues a communications send to send a unit of data over a communications connection. See also receive exit.

Sequenced Packet Exchange protocol (SPX)

A session-oriented network protocol that provides connection-oriented services between two nodes on the network, and is used primarily by client/server applications. It relies on the Internet Packet Exchange (IPX) protocol, provides flow control and error recovery, and guarantees reliability of the physical network.

sequence number wrap value

In WebSphere MQ, a method of ensuring that both ends of a communication link reset their current message sequence numbers at the same time. Transmitting messages with a sequence number ensures that the receiving channel can reestablish the message sequence when storing the messages.

serialization

In object-oriented programming, the writing of data in sequential fashion to a communications medium from program memory.

server

(1) In WebSphere MQ, a queue manager that provides queue services to client applications running on a remote workstation.

(2) In a network, hardware or software that provides facilities to other stations. For example, a file server, a printer server, or a mail server. The station making the request of the server is usually called the client. See also client.

server channel

In message queuing, a channel that responds to a requester channel, removes messages from a transmission queue, and moves them over a communication link to the requester channel. See also requester channel.

server connection channel type

The type of MQI channel definition associated with the server that runs a queue manager. See also client connection channel type.

service interval

A time interval, against which the elapsed time between a put or a get and a subsequent get is compared by the queue manager in deciding whether the conditions for a service interval event have been met. The service interval for a queue is specified by a queue attribute.

service interval event

An event related to the service interval.

session

A logical or virtual connection between two stations, programs, or devices on a network that allows the two elements to communicate and exchange data, or the activities that occur during the establishment, maintenance, and release of the connection. A session can be activated and deactivated as requested.

session ID

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, the CICS-unique identifier that defines the communication link to be used by a message channel agent when moving messages from a transmission queue to a link.

session level authentication

In Systems Network Architecture (SNA), a session level security protocol that enables two logical units (LUs) to authenticate each other while they are activating a session. Session level authentication is also known as LU-LU verification.

session level cryptography

In Systems Network Architecture (SNA), a method of encrypting and decrypting data that flows on a session between two logical units (LUs).

shared inbound channel

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a channel that was started by a listener using the group port. The channel definition of a shared channel can be stored either on page set zero (private) or in the shared repository (global).

shared outbound channel

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a channel that moves messages from a shared transmission queue. The channel definition of a shared channel can be stored either on page set zero (private) or in the shared repository (global).

shared queue

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a type of local queue. The messages on the queue are stored in the coupling facility and can be accessed by one or more queue managers in a queue-sharing group. The definition of the queue is stored in the shared repository. See also queue-sharing group.

shared repository

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a shared DB2 database that is used to hold object definitions that have been defined globally.

shell

A software interface between users and the operating system that interprets commands and user interactions and communicates them to the operating system. A computer may have several layers of shells for various levels of user interaction.

signal

In UNIX systems a simple method of communicating between two processes. One process can inform the other when an event occurs.

signaling

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS and WebSphere MQ for Windows, a feature that allows the operating system to notify a program when an expected message arrives on a queue.

signature

The collection of types associated with a method (the type of the return value, if any, as well as the number, order, and type of each of the method's arguments).

single logging

A method of recording WebSphere MQ for z/OS activity where each change is recorded on one data set only. See also dual logging.

single-phase backout

A method in which an action in progress must not be allowed to finish, and all changes that are part of that action must be undone.

single-phase commit

A method in which a program can commit updates to a commitment resource without coordinating those updates with updates the program has made to resources controlled by another resource manager. See also two-phase commit.

SIT

See system initialization table.

SMF

See System Management Facility.

SNA

See Systems Network Architecture.

software development kit (SDK)

A set of tools, APIs, and documentation to assist with the development of software in a specific computer language or for a particular operating environment.

source queue manager

See local queue manager. See also remote queue manager.

SP2

See Scalable Parallel 2.

SPX

See Sequenced Packet Exchange protocol.

SSI

See Security Support Provider Interface.

stanza

A group of lines in a configuration file that assigns a value to a parameter modifying the behavior of a queue manager, client, or channel. In WebSphere MQ on UNIX systems a configuration (.ini) file can contain a number of stanzas. See also configuration file.

star-connected communications network

A network in which all nodes are connected to a central node.

storage class

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, the page set that is to hold the messages for a particular queue. The storage class is specified when the queue is defined.

store and forward

The temporary storing of packets, messages, or frames in a data network before they are retransmitted toward their destination.

streaming

In object-oriented programming, the serialization of class information and object instance data.

subsystem

In z/OS, a service provider that performs one or many functions, but does nothing until asked. For example, each WebSphere MQ for z/OS queue manager is a z/OS subsystem.

supervisor call (SVC)

An instruction that interrupts the program being run and passes control to the supervisor so that it can perform the specific service indicated by the instruction.

SVC

See supervisor call.

switch profile

In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, a RACF profile used when WebSphere MQ starts up or when a refresh security command is issued. Each switch profile that WebSphere MQ detects turns off checking for the specified resource.

symmetric key cryptography

A system of cryptography in which the sender and receiver of a message share a single, common, secret key that is used to encrypt and decrypt the message. See also public-private key, asymmetric key cryptography.

symptom string

Diagnostic information displayed in a structured format designed for searching the IBM software support database.

synchronous messaging

A method of communication between programs in which a program places a message on a message queue and then waits for a reply to its message before resuming its own processing. See also asynchronous messaging.

sync point

An intermediate or end point during processing of a transaction at which the transaction's protected resources are consistent. At a syncpoint, changes to the resources can safely be committed, or they can be backed out to the previous syncpoint.

SYS1.LOGREC

A service aid that contains important information about program and hardware errors.

sysplex

See system complex.

System Authorization Facility (SAF)

A z/OS facility through with programs communicate with an external security manager such as RACF.

system bag

A type of data bag that is created by the MQAI.

system complex (sysplex)

A set of MVS or OS/390 systems communicating and cooperating with each other through certain multisystem hardware components and software services to process customer workloads.

system control commands

Commands used to manipulate platform-specific entities such as buffer pools, storage classes, and page sets.

system diagnostic work area (SDWA)

In a z/OS or OS/390 environment, the data that is recorded in a SYS1.LOGREC entry that describes a program or hardware error.

system initialization table (SIT)

A table containing parameters used by CICS on start up.

system item

A type of data item that is created by the MQAI.

System Management Facility (SMF)

A z/OS facility that collects and records a variety of system and job-related information. For example, statistics, accounting information, and performance data.

system selector

In the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI), a system item identifier that is included in the data bag when it is created.

Systems Network Architecture (SNA)

An architecture that describes the logical structure, formats, protocols, and operational sequences for transmitting information units through the networks and also the operational sequences for controlling the configuration and operation of networks. The layered structure of SNA allows the ultimate origins and destinations of information (the users) to be independent of and unaffected by the specific SNA network services and facilities that are used for information exchange.

 

T

tampering

A breach of communication security in which information in transit is changed or replaced and then sent on to the recipient. See also eavesdropping, impersonation.

target library high-level qualifier (thlqual)

A high-level qualifier for z/OS target data set names.

target queue manager

See remote queue manager. See also local queue manager.

task control block (TCB)

A z/OS control block used to communicate information about tasks, within an address space, that are connected to a z/OS subsystem such as WebSphere MQ for z/OS or CICS.

task switching

The overlapping of I/O operations and processing between several tasks. In WebSphere MQ for z/OS, the task switcher optimizes performance by allowing some MQI calls to be executed under subtasks rather than under the main CICS TCB.

TCB

See task control block.

TCP

See Transmission Control Protocol.

TCP/IP

See Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

temporary dynamic queue

A dynamic queue that is deleted when it is closed. Temporary dynamic queues are not recovered if the queue manager fails, so they can contain nonpersistent messages only. See also permanent dynamic queue.

teraspace

A one terabyte temporary storage area that provides storage that is private to a process.

termination notification

A pending event that is activated when a CICS subsystem successfully connects to WebSphere MQ for z/OS.

this

In object-oriented programming, a keyword that identifies a special type of pointer that references the class object in a member function.

thlqual

See target library high-level qualifier.

thread

The basic unit of program execution. Several threads can run concurrently, performing different jobs.

TID

See transaction identifier.

time-independent messaging

See asynchronous messaging. See also synchronous messaging.

TMF

See Transaction Manager Facility.

TMI

See trigger monitor interface.

TP

See transaction program.

trace

A facility for recording WebSphere MQ activity. The destinations for trace entries can include generalized trace facility (GTF) and the system management facility (SMF).

transaction

A unit of processing consisting of one or more application programs, affecting one or more objects, that is initiated by a single request, often from a terminal.

transaction ID

See transaction identifier.

transaction identifier ( TID transaction ID)

A unique name that is assigned to a transaction and is used to identify the actions associated with that transaction.

transaction manager

A software unit that coordinates the activities of resource managers by managing global transactions and coordinating the decision to commit them or roll them back. WebSphere MQ is a transaction manager.

Transaction Manager Facility (TMF)

In MQSeries for Compaq NonStop Kernel, a subsystem to protect your business transactions and the integrity of your databases. Often used synonymously with NonStop Transaction Manager/MP.

transaction program (TP)

A program that processes transactions in an SNA network.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

A communications protocol used in the Internet and in any network that follows the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards for internetwork protocol. TCP provides a reliable host-to-host protocol between hosts in packet-switched communications networks and in interconnected systems of such networks. It uses the Internet Protocol (IP) as the underlying protocol. See also Internet Protocol.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

An industry-standard, nonproprietary set of communications protocols that provide reliable end-to-end connections between applications over interconnected networks of different types.

transmission program

See message channel agent.

transmission queue

A local queue on which prepared messages destined for a remote queue manager are temporarily stored.

trigger event

An event, such as a message arriving on a queue, that causes a queue manager to create a trigger message on an initiation queue.

triggering

In Websphere MQ, a facility that allows a queue manager to start an application automatically when predetermined conditions on a queue are satisfied.

trigger message

A message that contains information about the program that a trigger monitor is to start.

trigger monitor

A continuously running application that serves one or more initiation queues. When a trigger message arrives on an initiation queue, the trigger monitor retrieves the message. It uses the information in the trigger message to start a process that serves the queue on which a trigger event occurred.

trigger monitor interface (TMI)

The WebSphere MQ interface to which customer- or vendor-written trigger monitor programs must conform. A part of the WebSphere MQ Framework.

two-phase commit

A protocol for the coordination of changes to recoverable resources when more than one resource manager is used by a single transaction. See also single-phase commit.

type

In object oriented programming, a fundamental data type of computer architecture, including, for example, character, string and integer.

 

U

UDP

See User Datagram Protocol.

unauthorized access

Gaining access to resources within a computer system without permission.

undelivered message queue

See dead-letter queue.

undo/redo record

A log record used in recovery. The redo part of the record describes a change to be made to a WebSphere MQ object. The undo part describes how to back out the change if the work is not committed.

unit of recovery

A recoverable sequence of operations within a single resource manager, such as an instance of DB2 Universal Database for z/OS and OS/390. See also transaction.

unit of work

A recoverable sequence of operations performed by an application between two points of consistency. A unit of work begins when a transaction starts or at a user-requested syncpoint. It ends either at a user-requested syncpoint or at the end of a transaction.

user bag

In the MQAI, a type of data bag that is created by the user.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

In the Internet suite of protocols, a protocol that provides unreliable, connectionless datagram service. It enables an application program on one machine or process to send a datagram to an application program on another machine or process.

user item

In the MQAI, a type of data item that is created by the user.

user selector

In the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI), the identifier that is placed with a data item into a data bag to identify the data item. WebSphere MQ provides predefined user selectors for WebSphere MQ objects.

utility

In WebSphere MQ, a supplied set of programs that provide the system operator or system administrator with facilities in addition to those provided by the WebSphere MQ commands.

 

V

value

The content of a data item. This can be an integer, a string, or the handle of another bag.

virtual method

In object-oriented programming, a method that exhibits polymorphism.

 

W

WebSphere MQ

A family of IBM licensed programs that provides message queuing services.

WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI)

A programming interface that performs administration tasks on a WebSphere MQ queue manager through the use of data bags. Data bags allow the user to handle properties (or parameters) of WebSphere MQ objects.

WebSphere MQ client

Part of a WebSphere MQ product that can be installed on a system without installing the full queue manager. The WebSphere MQ client accepts MQI calls from applications and communicates with a queue manager on a server system. See also client.

WebSphere MQ Internet pass-thru

A WebSphere MQ base product extension supplied in SupportPac MS81. It enables two queue managers to exchange messages, or a WebSphere MQ client application to connect to a queue manager, over the Internet without requiring a direct TCP/IP connection.

WebSphere MQ script commands (MQSC)

Human readable commands, uniform across all platforms, that are used to manipulate WebSphere MQ objects. See also programmable command format.

WebSphere MQ server

A queue manager that provides queuing services to one or more clients. All the WebSphere MQ objects, for example queues, exist only on the queue manager system, that is, on the MQI server machine. A server can support normal local MQI applications as well.

Windows NT Challenge/Response

The authentication protocol that is used on networks that include Windows NT systems and on standalone systems.

wiretapping

The act of gaining access to information that is flowing along a wire or any other type of conductor used in communications. The objective of wiretapping is to gain unauthorized access to information without being detected.

 

X

XCF

See cross-system coupling facility.

X/Open XA

The X/Open Distributed Transaction Processing XA interface. A proposed standard for distributed transaction communication. The standard specifies a bidirectional interface between resource managers that provide access to shared resources within transactions, and between a transaction service that monitors and resolves transactions.

 

Y

 

Z