What are the benefits and challenges of using DLUS in a distributed environment?

1 What is DLUS and how does it work?

DLUS is a component of IBM's SNA (Systems Network Architecture), which is a set of protocols and services for mainframe communication. DLUS acts as a server for dependent logical units (DLUs), which are devices or applications that rely on DLUS for network functions, such as session establishment, routing, and security. DLUS can run on a mainframe or on a distributed platform, such as Windows, Linux, or Unix. When DLUS runs on a distributed platform, it can communicate with other DLUS instances or with DLURs (Dependent Logical Unit Requesters), which are components that enable DLUs to access mainframe applications using TCP/IP.

2 What are the benefits of using DLUS in a distributed environment?

One of the main benefits of using DLUS in a distributed environment is that it can improve the performance and scalability of your mainframe applications. By offloading some of the network processing from the mainframe to the distributed platform, DLUS can reduce the CPU and memory consumption of the mainframe, as well as the network traffic and latency. This can enhance the responsiveness and throughput of your mainframe applications, especially when dealing with large volumes of data or transactions. Additionally, DLUS can support multiple DLUs and DLURs, which can increase the availability and flexibility of your mainframe resources.

3 What are the challenges of using DLUS in a distributed environment?

However, using DLUS in a distributed environment also comes with some challenges that you need to consider. One of the challenges is the complexity and configuration of the DLUS environment. You need to ensure that the DLUS instances and the DLUs and DLURs are properly defined, configured, and synchronized, as well as compatible with the mainframe applications and protocols. You also need to monitor and manage the DLUS instances and the network connections, as well as troubleshoot any issues or errors that may arise. Another challenge is the maintenance and security of the DLUS environment. You need to keep the DLUS software updated and patched, as well as secure the DLUS instances and the network communication from unauthorized access or attacks.

4 How can you use DLUS effectively in a distributed environment?

To use DLUS effectively in a distributed environment, you need to plan and design your DLUS environment carefully, taking into account your mainframe application requirements, your network topology, your distributed platform capabilities, and your security policies. You also need to test and validate your DLUS environment before deploying it to production, as well as document and backup your DLUS configuration and data. Moreover, you need to use tools and best practices to monitor and manage your DLUS environment, such as IBM's NetView for SNA or IBM's SNA Manager for Windows, Linux, and Unix.

5 What are some alternatives to using DLUS in a distributed environment?

If you are looking for alternatives to using DLUS in a distributed environment, you may want to consider some of the following options. One option is to use Enterprise Extender (EE), which is a technology that allows you to use IP networks to access mainframe applications using APPC or LU 6.2 protocols. EE can simplify the network configuration and management, as well as provide better security and reliability than DLUS. Another option is to use WebSphere MQ, which is a messaging middleware that enables you to exchange data and messages between mainframe and distributed applications using various protocols and formats. WebSphere MQ can provide more flexibility and interoperability than DLUS, as well as support transactional and asynchronous communication.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?