What’s New in BMC AMI Data for IMS – January 2025

Simplify IMS Management with Synchronization, Enhanced SQL Capabilities, and Improved Performance

BMC AMI Data for IMS introduces new enhancements designed to streamline IMS operations, simplify transitions to Managed ACBs, and improve SQL query creation. These updates ensure synchronization across IMS resources, improve performance in Transaction Manager (TM) environments, and boost productivity for database administrators and system programmers.

For the complete list of new features, please visit Notices for BMC AMI Data for IMS products or Documentation – BMC AMI Data for IMS or BMC Support to learn more.

Featured Enhancements:

1. Ensure Synchronization When Transitioning to Managed ACBs

When moving to Managed ACBs (Application Control Blocks), discrepancies among the Catalog, Directories, and Libraries can pose operational risks. BMC AMI Data for IMS simplifies this transition by generating detailed reports that highlight outdated DBD and PSB entries, ensuring consistency and synchronization across your IMS resources.

By addressing these discrepancies, organizations can reduce the risks associated with unsynchronized environments, ensuring seamless transitions and optimized operations.

Learn more at the BMC AMI Data for IMS Family Page or visit the IMS Managed ACBs Webinar Series.

2. Streamline SQL Query Creation with SPUFI Autocomplete

SQL Processing Using File Input (SPUFI) now includes real-time autocomplete suggestions within BMC AMI Change Manager for IMS. This enhancement accelerates SQL query creation, reduces manual errors, and improves user productivity. By suggesting relevant keywords and snippets in real time, users can create efficient queries for Managed ACBs faster and with greater accuracy.

This feature empowers database administrators and system programmers to save time and improve performance.

Explore more on the BMC AMI SQL Performance for IMS Solution Page.

3. Transaction Manager (TM) Performance Improvement and RM Cleanup Utility

BMC AMI Change Manager for IMS enhances performance for IMS-managed ACB environments with improved Transaction Manager (TM) performance. It introduces a new Resource Manager (RM) cleanup utility, minimizing delays, streamlining resource cleanup, and improving operational efficiency for a smoother IMS experience.

Discover more at the BMC AMI Data for IMS Family Page.

Additional Enhancements:

New UIM Replacement - CIS

BMC AMI Data for IMS is introducing a hybrid CIS solution to replace the legacy User Interface Middleware (UIM) product. This new UIM/CRA hybrid provides enhanced performance, scalability, and user experience, delivering a seamless and modern interface that streamlines IMS operations.

Technical Bulletins:

For additional information, please learn more here:

• SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1 of BMC AMI Utilities for IMS
• SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1 of BMC AMI Change Manager for IMS
• SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1 of BMC AMI SQL Performance for IMS

For the complete list of new features, please visit Notices for BMC AMI Data for IMS products or Documentation – BMC AMI Data for IMS or BMC Support to learn more.

Blogs You May Have Missed:

• IMS Managed ACBs Webinar Series – Transition with BMC AMI Data
• What’s New in BMC AMI Data for Db2 – January 2025 - Blogs & Documents - BMC Community
• What's New in BMC AMI Ops – January 2025 - Blogs & Documents - BMC Community
• Cut Costs for IMS Developers and DBAs
• What’s New in BMC AMI Data for Db2 – October 2024
• What’s New in BMC AMI Ops – October 2024
• What’s New in BMC AMI Data for IMS – July 2024
• What's New in Mainframe Solutions
• Accelerate Change with Database DevOps – The Modern Mainframe Podcast
• On-Demand Webinar: Unlocking Business Value with Modern DataOps
• Transition to IMS Managed ACBs with BMC AMI Data by June 2025 (Part 1)
• Unlocking Mainframe Databases with DevOps

Resources:

• Notices for BMC AMI Data for IMS products [New Release Notifications]
• Documentation – BMC AMI Data for IMS [Documentation]
• BMC Support [Help Center]
• BMC AMI Data for IMS [Solution family page]
• BMC AMI Change Manager for IMS TM [Datasheet]
• BMC AMI Log Analyzer for IMS [Datasheet]
• BMC AMI Transaction Management for IMS [Solution page]
• BMC AMI Data for IMS Community [Community page]
• What's New in Mainframe Solutions [Webpage]

Stay ahead of the curve with these exciting new features from BMC AMI Data for IMS. These enhancements simplify complex transitions, improve SQL query efficiency, and enhance performance in IMS-managed environments.

What’s New in BMC AMI Data for Db2 – January 2025

Maximize Efficiency and Optimize Db2 Operations with New Enhancements

We’re excited to announce the latest updates to BMC AMI Data for Db2, delivering solutions that streamline operations, reduce costs, and empower teams with advanced tools for enhanced database management. These enhancements focus on improving performance, addressing operational complexity, and delivering actionable insights to ensure a more efficient Db2 environment.

For the complete list of new features, please visit Enhancements for BMC AMI Data for Db2 or Notices for BMC AMI Data for Db2 or Documentation - BMC AMI Data for Db2 to learn more.

Featured Enhancements:

1. Reorganize Faster with Parallel Reorg Support

BMC AMI Change Manager for Db2 introduces parallel reorg processing in worklists to address the pain of lengthy sequential reorgs, which often extend change windows and disrupt operations. By enabling concurrent processes, this feature reduces downtime, optimizes resource utilization, and accelerates large-scale database updates.

For example, a reorganization process that previously consumed significant time can now be completed up to three times faster. This enhancement ensures your database remains responsive and ready for demanding workloads.

Learn more at the BMC AMI DevOps for Db2 Solution Page or visit the technical bulletin for SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1 of ALTER and BMC AMI Change Manager for Db2.

2. Enhanced Sort Technology with Built-In Telemetry

The new BMC AMI Sort, part of BMC Reorg Plus, introduces cutting-edge sort processing that offloads workloads to zIIP processors, resulting in cost savings and efficiency gains. Reorganizations are now completed up to ~3x faster in elapsed time and ~2.2x faster in CPU time compared to alternative solutions.

Built-in telemetry tracks adoption and measures performance gains, enabling teams to monitor the effectiveness of this new capability across environments. For even greater performance, BMC AMI Reorg achieves reorganizations ~5.5x faster in elapsed time with even more significant CPU savings, making it the ultimate choice for large-scale, dynamic operations. This new sort capability is available in BMC AMI Recover for Db2, BMC AMI Log Master for Db2, BMC AMI Copy for Db2 and the suite of BMC PLUS Utilities, which includes BMC CHECK PLUS for Db2, BMC REORG PLUS for Db2, BMC LOAD PLUS for Db2, and BMC UNLOAD PLUS for Db2.

Explore these features on the BMC AMI SQL Performance for Db2 Solution Page or check out the technical bulletin for SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1.00 of PLUS Utilities.

3. Shift-Left SQL Assurance with GitLab Integration

SQL performance and compliance issues can now be addressed earlier in the development lifecycle with BMC AMI SQL Assurance for Db2. By integrating seamlessly with GitLab, this feature enables organizations to leverage a shift-left approach, allowing developers to validate SQL quality and adherence to compliance standards in real time.

This capability reduces bottlenecks, enhances delivery speed, and ensures that SQL code deployed to production meets stringent quality standards.

Learn more at the BMC AMI DevOps for Db2 Solution Page or check the technical bulletin for SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1 of BMC AMI SQL Performance for Db2.

Technical Bulletins:

For additional information, please learn more here:

• SPE2504 enhancements to version 13.1 of BMC AMI Catalog Manager for Db2
• SPE2501 enhancement to version 13.1 of DASD MANAGER PLUS for Db2
• SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1 of ALTER and BMC AMI Change Manager for Db2
• SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1.00 of PLUS Utilities
• SPE2501 enhancements to version 13.1.00 of BMC AMI Utilities

Blogs You May Have Missed:

• What’s New in BMC AMI Data for Db2 – January 2025
• Cut Costs for Db2 Developers, DBAs, and Ops Teams
• Recap of the IDUG EMEA 2024 Db2 Tech Conference

Resources:

• BMC AMI Data for Db2 Family Page
• BMC AMI DevOps for Db2 Solution Page
• BMC AMI SQL Performance for Db2 Solution Page
• Notices for BMC AMI Data for Db2
• Documentation - BMC AMI Data for Db2
• BMC AMI Data for Db2 Community Page
• BMC Support Help Center

Stay ahead of the curve with these exciting new features from BMC AMI Data for Db2.

Looking for the best Workload Automation Courses to boost your knowledge? We’ve created a mixed-tape of the best 2024 had to offer, according to people who took them. Check it out!

Top 5 Instructor-led Trainings with Hands-On labs –

Note: All our ILTs are also available in more flexible Assisted-Self paced format. Contact us to know more.

Top 5 Certifications

Top Web-based Trainings -

Also, here are the latest courses released in December 2024 –

Still not sure what to enroll for? Check out our Control-M learning pathway. Or contact us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to help you.

Happy Holidays,

Regards,

Nidhi

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our consistent contributors, a true gem of our community. His passion for sharing knowledge and his dedication to helping others are truly inspiring.

Meet Rohit Jain, the unsung hero of our community. Rohit joined BMC Community in 2016 since then has consistently raised the bar for meaningful engagement.With a remarkable 18,922 points, 1034 thought-provoking comments, 85 heartfelt likes, and 374 insightful posts,

Rohit's contributions extend beyond mere numbers. He has consistently gone above and beyond to make our community a better place. His active participation has fostered a sense of community, inspiring others to share their knowledge and experiences.

His thoughtful comments and insightful posts have sparked numerous discussions, leading to a deeper understanding of complex issues. Whether it's a technical query or a philosophical debate, Rohit's expertise and willingness to help have made him a trusted resource for many.

When I approached Rohit to share insights about his journey in the community, he generously took the time to respond to my questions. Let’s dive into Rohit’s interview.

1) Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your professional journey? -

I began my career at Vyom Labs in 2016, where I was mentored in BMC Remedy/Helix, led a team of engineers, and collaborated with BMC staff, inspiring me to join BMC’s Helix SaaS Operations. After moving to Toronto, I worked at OBS on system integrations and at LifeLabs. My efforts at LifeLabs saved $250K in costs through integrations and platform development. Throughout my journey, I’ve excelled as a developer, administrator, implementer, integrator, and architect.

  2) What do you enjoy most about being a part of this community? - Many contributors give full clarity on what needs to be done.

I often had complex use cases to work with and many people (For ex - LJ Longwing) made sure that I had full clarity on the implementation and the caveats that came with it.

  3) Is there a particular product feature or topic that you’re especially passionate about?

I loved using SmartIT and deploying DWP service requests.

  4) Can you share one of your favourite tips or best practices that other community members might find helpful? -

While investigating on the AR side, capture logs as much as you can and study them since logs don't lie. While investigating on DWPC workflows (based on the BPMN model) side, if something does not make sense even after going through docs, BMC Community and self-investigation, don't hesitate to contact BMC DWP Support.

 5) What advice would you give to new members joining our community?

Refer to BMC Community as much as you can. Get used to ARS since it will remain Helix's foundation for a long time to come.

 6) What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of work?

I love hiking, biking and city walks.

 7) How has being a part of this community impacted your professional or personal growth?

I learnt many concepts and gained clarity on entangling issues. We have wonderful people like LJ Longwing, Hugh Fairfield, Mykola Slutskyi , and Rohit Kumar who helped me implement many useful features.

8) What’s your favorite way to stay updated on trends or new knowledge in this field?

There are many articles which are published by current BMC team, especially on best practices. The YouTube channel is good too.

9) If you could change or add one feature to our product, what would it be and why?

Make the database a single source one. Currently, ITSM, DWP, SmartIT and Grafana Dashboards have their own databases, and we are effective forcing them all to talk with each other. Entire backend needs to be refactored so that all major suites/ product offerings, including Discovery and CMDB, emanate from the same database. Helix will be very powerful if this happens.

10)  If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

Focus more on Development work. Support experience is needed only for 1st 2 years when you start your career, after which one should progressively lean towards development and architecting.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rohit Jain for his invaluable contributions to our community.

Let's continue to learn from and be inspired by Rohit's example, as we strive to create a thriving community where knowledge is shared, ideas are exchanged, and connections are forged.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝗪𝗧?

• JWT is an open standard token for securely transmitting information between parties as a JSON object.

• Structure: Composed of three parts separated by dots (.) - Header, Payload, and Signature.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗪𝗧

• Header: Contains metadata about the token, typically the type of token and the signing algorithm.json

{ "alg": "HS256", "typ": "JWT" }

• Payload (Claims): Contains the actual data. This includes registered claims (like iss, exp, sub), public claims, or private claims.json

{ "sub": "1234567890", "name": "John Doe", "iat": 1516239022 }

• Signature: Ensures the token hasn't been tampered with. It's created by encoding the header and payload, then signing with a secret or private key.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗝𝗪𝗧 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀

1/ Token Creation: The server generates a JWT when the user logs in.

2/ Token Transmission: This token is sent to the client (e.g., browser).

3/ Token Usage: For subsequent requests, the client sends the JWT, which the server verifies before granting access.

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

• Stateless: Servers don't need to store session information.

• Scalability: Ideal for distributed systems and microservices.

• Flexibility: Can be used across different domains.

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

• Encryption vs Signing: JWTs are signed, not encrypted by default. Use JWE (JSON Web Encryption) for end-to-end encryption.

• Token Expiry: Always set an expiration time to limit token lifetime.

• Secure Transmission: Use HTTPS to prevent token interception.

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗪𝗧

Backend: Use libraries like jsonwebtoken in Node.js or PyJWT in Python.

Frontend: Store tokens in HTTP-only cookies or local storage with caution.

Happy Learning!!!

BMC Helix ITSM sets a new standard for the modern workplace with an intuitive, social, and mobile Service Desk experience to

enable a more knowledgeable and collaborative workforce organized around IT roles.

This course will give users an overview of the BMC Helix ITSM main features before they begin to use them in real-time.

At the end of the course, the learners will be equipped with the knowledge to easily work with tickets, knowledge articles, assets,

and the main features of BMC Helix ITSM.

In this course you will learn to:

• Explain the BMC Helix ITSM concepts and features

• Explain the BMC Helix ITSM roles, related permissions, and respective responsibilities

• Navigate the BMC Helix ITSM interface

• Describe the Progressive Web Application feature

• Describe how to work with the Ticket Console and Smart Recorder

• Explain how to create tickets

• Explain the different features and functionality available with BMC Helis ITSM for Service Desk for working with tickets

• Describe how to use knowledge articles for ticket resolution

• Describe the important actions related to change requests available in BMC Helix ITSM

• Explain how to use the Change calendar, Impact Analysis, and Collision Management in BMC Helix ITSM

• Explain how to create and manage release requests

• Describe how to work with knowledge articles

• Discuss the Knowledge-Centered Support (KCS) framework

• Describe the assets-related features and capabilities in BMC Helix IT

Now available for BMC Partners and customers!

What are you waiting for?

Click here for the Abstract and Course Registration.

@Kristen Sanders​ @Nidhi Gupta​ @Dipankar Sarkar​