Knowledge Base > Automation Engine and Target Systems > z/OS > Agent - Combining the AE and z/OS

Agent - Interaction Between the Automation Engine and z/OS

The z/OS agent works together with the AE system via a TCP/IP interface.
It communicates within z/OS exclusively with JES2 or JES3.

The z/OS agent provides the following functions:

Jobs processing
Execution of file transfers
Event handling
CallAPI

Job Processing

In the AE, jobs are defined and maintained in the form of objects that include various tabs. The JCL is stored in the Process tab. Its logic can be very complex if you make use ofthe AE's script elements.
See: User Guide - Job and Job - Execution

In the AE, you can start jobs either manually or via control mechanisms such as Workflow objects or Schedule objects. The Automation Engine then generates an executable job and sends it to the MPE agent via a file transfer.
See: Inside AE Guide - Executing Objects

In z/OS, the job is read and put to the Internal Reader. The Internal Reader starts the job. Monitoring takes place through SSL.

The job notifies the agent about the beginning and end of an execution. The agent then passes this information on to the Automation Engine.

The agent monitors the job's status in regular intervals. This ensures that an abnormal end can be determined if a job vanishes ABEND or CANCEL). The job's return code is available in AE.

The job report (MSGCLASS) which includes the JES statistics and the complete job output is stored in a file that is specified by the Automation Engine. If specified in the job, the agent transfers the report to the Automation Engine which stores it in the AE databaseA database is an organized collection of data including relevant data structures.. Because JES requests the job output, you must use a MSGCLASS with the status HOLD.

Executing File Transfers

In the AE, file transfers are defined and maintained in the form of objects that include various tabs. They are executed with the character conversions that are defined in these tabs (such as IBM_3270_INTERNATIONAL).
See: User Guide - FileTransfer
See: Knowledge Base AE and z/OS - Agent - FileTransfer Support

Event Handling

In the AE, events are defined and maintained in the form of objects that include various tabs.
The z/OS agent also supports events of type FileSystem and Console.
See: User Guide - Event

CallAPI

You can use the CallAPI with a utility that can be called by using a job.
See: User Guide - CallAPI for z/OS