IMS DB/DC Assessment Test

An IMS DB/DC Assessment Test evaluates individuals on their proficiency in using IMS (Information Management System) for database management and data communication. It assesses their ability to design, develop, administer, and optimize IMS databases and online transaction processing (OLTP) systems.

A IMS DB/DC Assessment Test evaluates candidates for:

1. Introduction to IMS
   • Understanding of IMS as a hierarchical database management system (DBMS) and transaction processing system.
   • Familiarity with IMS architecture, components (e.g., Database Manager, Transaction Manager), and data structures.
2. IMS Database Design
   • Skills in designing IMS databases using hierarchical data model.
   • Ability to define segments, fields, relationships, and database schema using IMS Data Definition Language (DDL).
3. IMS DB Administration
   • Techniques for administering IMS databases and data sets.
   • Skills in managing database space, performing backup and recovery, and ensuring data integrity and security.
4. IMS Database Access Methods
   • Knowledge of IMS database access methods (e.g., DL/I - Data Language Interface).
   • Skills in performing CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) on IMS databases using DL/I calls.
5. IMS Transaction Processing (DC)
   • Proficiency in developing IMS online transaction processing (OLTP) applications.
   • Ability to design and code IMS DC transactions, message formats, and input/output message handling.
6. IMS Communication Architecture
   • Understanding of IMS data communication architecture.
   • Skills in configuring and managing IMS message queues, terminals, and communication paths.
7. IMS Database Integrity and Recovery
   • Techniques for ensuring database integrity and implementing recovery procedures.
   • Skills in handling transaction failures, restoring database consistency, and minimizing downtime.
8. IMS Performance Tuning
   • Optimization techniques for improving IMS database and transaction performance.
   • Skills in analyzing performance metrics, tuning database access methods, and optimizing transaction response times.
9. IMS Batch Processing
   • Knowledge of IMS batch processing concepts and utilities.
   • Skills in creating and executing batch jobs, managing job control language (JCL), and integrating batch processes with IMS databases.
10. IMS Security Management
    • Implementation of security measures for IMS databases and applications.
    • Skills in configuring access controls, defining security policies, and auditing IMS resources.
11. IMS Application Development Tools
    • Usage of IMS application development tools (e.g., IMS TM Resource Definition Generator - RDE, IMS High Performance Prefix - HPP).
    • Skills in generating IMS control blocks, defining transaction routing, and optimizing IMS resource utilization.
12. IMS Connectivity and Integration
    • Integration of IMS with other systems and platforms (e.g., CICS, MQ Series).
    • Skills in implementing data exchanges, inter-system communication, and ensuring seamless integration.
13. IMS Change Management and Version Control
    • Techniques for managing changes to IMS databases and applications.
    • Skills in version control, change tracking, and managing updates to IMS environments.
14. Documentation and Reporting
    • Ability to document IMS database designs, application code, and operational procedures.
    • Skills in generating technical documentation, creating system manuals, and reporting on IMS performance.

This assessment ensures candidates have the technical skills and knowledge to effectively design, develop, manage, and optimize IMS DB/DC systems. It evaluates their ability to handle database administration tasks, develop OLTP applications, ensure data integrity, optimize performance, and contribute to the smooth operation of IMS environments.