Configuring and Writing REXX › Using REXX Programs for Automation

Using REXX Programs for Automation

To automate simple tasks such as managing messages, you can define short instructions using the CA Automation Point rules language. For more complex system operations tasks or tasks that require you to perform a series of procedures, you can use REXX programs for automation.

Note: REXX programs performing automated tasks should not contain the PULL statement, because this requires user interaction. You should invoke non-automated programs of this type from a Command Prompt.  For more information, see the section Invoking REXX Programs.

With REXX programs, you can control complex tasks such as:

• Communicating with networked workstations using PPQs
• Manipulating and evaluating data stored in status and other variables
• Managing interactions between incompatible operating systems such as z/OS and Linux.
• Manipulating mainframe status and configuration data stored as files on the workstation
• Interacting with a voice card in your workstation

For example, suppose that you want to respond to a host message by issuing a display command, comparing the display output with the original message text, and then responding to the original message. Managing such a complicated response is beyond the scope of rules, but you can do it through a REXX program that issues the CA Automation Point SESSCMD and GETSCRN commands.

Note: CA Automation Point cannot accept requests to run REXX programs unless you have checked the Enable AXCREXX check box on the REXX Settings dialog.