Configuration Best Practices › Baseline Analysis to Detect Configuration Changes

Baseline Analysis to Detect Configuration Changes

We recommend that you use the baseline analysis feature to monitor select z/OS configuration controls and detect specific changes.

Business Value:

You can use the baseline analysis feature on a subset of CA Auditor analysis functions to detect if a change to a configuration element occurred and to report on the specific change. This practice is especially useful when you are verifying internal change control procedures.

Additional Considerations:

Examples of CA Auditor functions that can employ baseline analysis include:

• APF list analysis
• Key library analysis
• Parmlib analysis
• System overview analysis
• SMF exit analysis

Most of these elements are based on z/OS configuration controls that have their foundation in parmlib members selected at IPL. However, because most of these elements can be modified dynamically using z/OS interfaces, z/OS commands, and OEM/ISV product capabilities post-IPL, you must monitor these key configuration elements while the system is up.

You can use the CA Auditor freezer with the baseline analysis function. For example, you can use baseline analysis to monitor the contents of the various configuration lists, and you can then use the freezer to monitor the contents of each library within the list.

More Information:

To use the baseline analysis feature, see the Technical Reference guide.