eBook

Understanding SMF Records and Their Value to IT Analytics & Security

Download this eBook to learn how Ironstream™ software provides an easy, cost-effective approach for your organization to get a complete view of its entire IT infrastructure. Understand how Ironstream™ software integrates key performance indicators and security events contained within SMF records on the IBM z/OS platform.

Introduction

The IBM Z mainframe is the inner sanctum of a large organization’s IT infrastructure. It guards the informational crown jewels of an enterprise and its operations have long been cloaked in arcane terminology. But the aura of mystery around the mainframe is disappearing as the IT world continues to move out of the realm of siloed systems.

This de-siloing is being driven by two major trends:

  1. The emergence of platforms such as Splunk, ServiceNow and others that provide enhanced analytics and common views across all platforms in the enterprise. The mainframe is no longer a silo entity that has to be managed entirely on its own.
  2. An aging and retiring mainframe workforce that for decades has used specialized tools requiring in-depth understanding of mainframe environments for analysis. This workforce is being replaced by a newer generation of IT specialists with different skills, requiring a new set of tools and technologies.

However, at the center of this movement to cross-enterprise analytics platforms lies the most critical source of mainframe information. The System Management Facility (SMF) — a key component of the z/OS operating system. Getting the information out of SMF and into an analytics platform enables IT to get these valuable insights to more people who need it throughout the company – including security, operations and compliance teams – without requiring IBM mainframe expertise or specialized tools.

For CIOs, CTOs, CISOs and other IT personnel who may not be deeply involved with IBM Z System software, some familiarity with SMF can be useful in seeing how the non-mainframe areas of an organization can leverage its considerable power.