VPARS and VTAPE Version 5.3.0 available for z/VM versions 5.1.0 and above.
There are several enhancements in VPARS and VTAPE version 5.3.0.
An indexing feature was added to search the VPARS buffer queues that significantly improves performance and reduces CPU usage. Early test users have seen a 25-35% improvement in performance and reduction in CPU usage. Several keywords have been removed from the VPCONFIG files and several have been added to the VPSYSTEM DEFAULTS file. Current configuration files should be checked against the definitions in the VPARS Users Guide when upgrading to VSSI version 5.3.0. The format of the VPBKUP and VPUNLD tapes has changed. CMS modules VPRESTO and VPLOADO are included in the 5.3.0 distribution to restore old format tapes, VPREST and VPLOAD support the new tape format.
The format of the VTAPE library disks changed in VSSI 5.3.0. The library disks now have a free space bitmap for each 1799 library blocks, where the old format had a free space bitmap for each 179 library blocks. Old format library disks are supported by VTAPE version 5.3.0, however, new format library disks are not supported on prior VTAPE versions. Library disks formatted for use with VTAPE 5.2.0 should be formatted with VTFMT from version 5.2.0. VTAPE 5.3.0 can be installed on all z/VM version 5 releases.
The format of VTAPE library disks was changed to:
1. Support larger disks.
2. Reduce the time it takes to open output libraries.
3. Improve allocation performance when writing or scratching tapes.
Old format library disks would support ~32000 cylinder library disks, the new format will support disks 10 times larger. Old and new format library disks can be mixed in the same library with VTAPE 5.3.0.
VPARS and VTAPE Version 5.2.0 available for z/VM 5.1.0, VPARS and VTAPE version 5.1.0 for z/VM 5.1.0 is now obsolete.
VPARS and VTAPE Version 5.2.0 available for z/VM 5.2.0 at GA.
VSSI Price List
The VSSI price list has been revised and will be effective January 1, 2006.
VSSI Price List
The VSSI price list has been revised and will be effective January 1, 2005.
VPARS and VTAPE Version 5.1.0 available for z/VM 5.1.0 at GA.
VSSI Price List
The VSSI price list has been revised and will be effective January 1, 2004.
VPARS and VTAPE Version 4.2.0 available for z/VM 4.4.0 at GA.
VSSI Price List
The VSSI price list has changed. Several MSU groups were combined to lower the cost for larger processors and a new Site License option, in line with our MSU pricing structure introduced in December 2002, has been added to the price list. The new price list is effective April 1, 2003.
VPARS and VTAPE downloads
The VPARS and VTAPE install files are now available for download from our VM FTP site. The install files for each release of VM are packed into a single VMARC file. All VSSI customers have been assigned a userid and password for access to this facility. You can request your userid and password by sending a request to admin@vsoftsys.com or support@vsoftsys.com.
VSSI Pricing Structure Change
Several years ago IBM changed the way they define processor capacity from a Model Groups definition to a Millions of Service Units(MSU) value. The MSU value replaced the old Millions of Instructions Per Second(MIPS) value used to determine a processors workload capacity. VSSI has continued to use Model Groups as its base for our pricing schedule. With our December 2002 price list we have converted to an MSU based pricing schedule. This change will not affect any of our software product customers on Model Groups below a Group 80 Some of our customers that were previously in Group 80 may be in a higher MSU group. Module Group and MSU values for IBM and Non-IBM processors can be found at: IBM zSeries Software Pricing Information
Site License Withdrawal
Effective today, new Site Licenses are not available for VPARS or VTAPE
Effective with the December 2002 price list, site licenses will be withdrawn completely. When users with existing site licenses renew their license after December 1, 2002 they will be required to license each processor using VPARS or VTAPE.
zSeries Processor Pricing
Because zSeries processors are not assigned to Model Groups in the IBM S/390 & zSeries Software Pricing Information and the performance of several z/800(2066) processors is less than a Model Group 80, VSSI will develop a zSeries price list effective December 2002. In the interim z/800 pricing will be based on the relative performance information in the IBM z/800 announcement 102-052. The announcement provides relative performance of the z800 processors to the 9672 and 7060 series processors.
Currently all z/900 processors are priced at the Model Group 80 price.
3590 VTAPE support
Full 3590-B11 VTAPE support is in the latest build of the VSSI install tapes. The MVS-z/OS HCD UIM for a unique 3590 Virtual TAPE device type is under development and testing. It should be available by the end of September.
VPARS and VTAPE Version 4.2.0 were available for z/VM 4.3.0 at GA
The VSSI Price List and Trial Agreement can now be downloaded.
Download of VSSI install files
We are working on a secure FTP site that will allow licensed users of VPARS and/or VTAPE to download the install files as a VMARC package. When we have completed setting up the site each licensed user will be issued a Userid and Password for access. We will also move the update files to the secure FTP site.VPARS and VTAPE 4.2.0 were available for z/VM 4.2.0 at GA.
Support for VPARS and VTAPE Version 3.2 withdrawn
VM/ESA Version 2.3.0 was the last VM release supported by Version 3.2 of VPARS and VTAPE. IBM has withdrawn support of VM/ESA Version 2.3.0 so VSSI is withdrawing support for Version 3.2 of VPARS and VTAPE.Beta testing began for 3590 tape drive support in VTAPE.
VSSI made available for shipment, Version 4.2.0 of VPARS and VTAPE with support for z/VM 4.1.0.
VSSI hired Russ Burtnett to replace Alain Polard who passed away in December of 2000. Russ has over 20 years of VM and systems experience and is a welcome addition to the VSSI development and support team.
VSSI made available for shipment, Version 4.2.0 of VPARS and VTAPE with support for z/VM 3.1.0 and 64 bit hardware.