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SMP/E identifies software changes as system modifications (SYSMODs).
SYSMODs also contain statements (called MCS statements) that control the installation of software changes on to the system. When you install a SYSMOD, you are adding, replacing, or updating elements of the system. Elements are those parts of programs (such as macros, modules, or other types of data) that make up the operating system. The CSI records the addition, replacement, or update of these elements. Fixes update elements to bring the operating system up to a certain release. MCS statements describe the software changes and any relationships that the changes have with other elements or fixes that are already installed on your system.
The following types of SYSMODs exist:
New releases of the operating system, program products, or updated functions of an existing program product. Function SYSMODs consist of two types: base and dependent functions. Base functions add or replace a complete part of the system. Dependent functions rely on the base function being installed. They usually update a subset of the elements the base function introduced. Function SYSMODs usually introduce the new elements (such as modules, macros, source, and assembler statements, and so on) and explain how they all fit together.
These SYSMODs are program fixes for reported problems. A PTF is usually a complete replacement for an element (such as another module). A PTF applies to a particular function SYSMOD and can have relationships with other PTFs. The linkage editor often replaces the modules on the system. PTFs are distributed on program update (PUT) tapes and are applicable to a large number of users. They often address several related authorized program analysis reports (APARs).
These types of SYSMODs are usually created to circumvent a particular problem. An APAR is a fix that updates an element or a number of elements. They always depend on a particular function SYSMOD being installed and can also depend on other PTFs. Often, the superzap utility applies APARs. They are usually superceded by PTFs distributed on PUT tapes.
Users create these SYSMODs to alter or add new system functions. USERMODs always depend on a function SYSMOD and sometimes other PTFs, APARs, or USERMODs being installed. USERMODs consist of fixes that add, replace, or update existing functions.
Using information from the CSI, SMP/E selects the elements or fixes to install from the SYSMOD. This means that SMP/E selects which elements must be installed into the libraries based on the relationships of SYSMODs being installed, SYSMODs already installed, and the function and service level of elements in the CSI. For example, SYSMODs can require that other prerequisite SYSMODs already be installed. SMP/E uses modification identifiers to determine this information. The FMID defines the function of an element, the RMID tells which SYSMOD last replaced an element, and the UMIDs list tells which SYSMODs updated an element since the last time the element was replaced. SMP/E needs to know what other SYSMODs are installed so that it does not overlay a portion of another SYSMOD. The UMIDs and RMID of all elements give SMP/E this information.
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