DTAX transaction

Note

These functions are primarily intended to be used for support purposes. None of them are required for normal operation, but you may wish to automate code module enablement by submitting DTAX ENABLE and DTAX DISABLE transactions through an operations automation system like CAFC or z/OS modify commands. CICS modify commands for DTAX return messages to CSMT TD queue and to the z/OS system log. A DTAX STATUS modify command is available to see if the Dynatrace CICS HOOKS/EXITS are enabled. This command outputs a ZDTP030I message to the z/OS console. See z/OS code module messages for a full description of the output.

The DTAX transaction runs automatically every 5 minutes. It initializes the CICS code module connection to a newly started or restarted zDC at that time. Because data is only collected while the zDC is active, it should be running prior to CICS or IMS region initialization. In addition, data may be lost for up to 5 minutes after the zDC is restarted or when the zDC is initially started after the CICS region initializes. Optionally, the reconnection process can be completed immediately by manually entering the DTAX transaction and performing the DISABLE function followed by the ENABLE function after reinitializing the zDC. Use the ENABLE function alone if the CICS region had not been connected to a zDC and thus shows a DISABLED status.

The DTAX transaction also provides a UI to access basic functionality of the CICS code module. Logon to CICS and issue the DTAX transaction without parameters for a brief description of its functions and current code module status.

DTAX main menu

Change the log level

The CICS code module logs messages to the zRemote's log file, which can be viewed using the System Information dashlet. The log level of the CICS code module is set to INFO and, unlike the other code modules, it cannot be changed within Dynatrace. It can, however, be changed using the DTAX transaction. Set the cursor to the upper right corner and type one of the following log levels: Severe, Warning, Info(Default) or Fine.

Send a ping message

You can use the ping message functionality to verify the connectivity between the z/OS CICS code module and the zRemote.

DTAX Ping

The ping message generates the following DTAX output

On success, this also generates a log entry zRemote log, such as:

info    [native] ASID[53], smfID[S0W1], sysid[C449], jobName[H71AC449] Ping data=asid=53, CFDE33C15E800000

Enable or disable the Dynatrace data capture

These functions enable or disable all the exits used by the CICS code module. The ENABLE command also starts the DTAX five (5) minute restart cycle if one was not in progress. Likewise, the DISABLE command terminates any active DTAX five (5) minute restart cycle.

Enable CICS code module

DTAX Enable should generate the following DTAX output:

Enable should also register this CICS address space with Dynatrace. Below are the sample messages in the zRemote log following a successful DTAX Enable:

info    [native] Registering a pgi for the job: HVEAC727[C727], snaId[NETD    .HVEAC727], asid=51, CICS, protocol version=7.3.0, host=xx.xx.xxx.xx, groupId=16db6009dd8ec573, pgir.groupInstanceID=9b720782ca4a076, hostID=ed11bc0b5ee8f53a, nodeID=9b720782ca4a076, groupName=HVEAC727, hostGroup=, processGroupType=28
info    [native] Registered SubAgent[C727,51,6df4c9acf8f61ef5] with zDC[Z727,148], Software Release=54 rc=true

Disable CICS code module

DTAX Disable should generate the following DTAX output: Disable should also un-register this address space from Dynatrace. Message from the zRemote logs:

info    [native] UnregisterSubAgentRunner: starting to unregister 1 subagents

DTAX messages

To find the description of all DTAX messages, see z/OS code module messages.