IMS and TurboTune

Critical Path Software’s optimization tools, TurboTune (for VSAM datasets) and TurboTuneSQL (for Db2 SQL workloads), are fully capable of driving measurable performance and cost benefits in IMS-based mainframe environments. Whether you’re using IMS-DB exclusively or leveraging Db2 in conjunction with IMS TM, CPS solutions can reduce CPU usage, improve I/O, and enhance workload throughput with minimal impact on existing operations.

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How TurboTune Works in IMS Shops

1. IMS with Db2 (Hybrid Environments)

  • Many IMS shops use IMS TM as a transaction manager while routing data access or reporting through Db2.

  • TurboTuneSQL analyzes Db2 workload generated by IMS applications and optimizes:

    • Inefficient static and dynamic SQL

    • Index usage and access path efficiency

  • Outcomes:

    • Reduced CPU and getpage activity

    • Faster transaction and batch completion

    • No application changes required

2. IMS-DB (Hierarchical Database Only)

  • While TTSQL does not directly tune DL/I calls, many IMS-DB environments utilize VSAM datasets for their storage structures (e.g., HIDAM, HDAM).

  • TurboTune can analyze and optimize these underlying VSAM definitions:

    • Improve dataset-level performance

    • Reduce CI splits, I/O, and EXCPs

    • Enhance batch window predictability

3. Indirect System Benefits

  • Even when not optimizing IMS directly, TT and TTSQL can relieve CPU and I/O load on shared system resources, leading to:

    • Better IMS job throughput

    • Reduced contention in multi-workload LPARs

    • Improved system resilience during peak loads

4. Implementation Impact

  • No application code changes

  • Minimal IMS team involvement

  • Implemented through operations and DBA staff (often HCL or outsourced teams)

  • Fast time to value: Proof-of-concept in 30 days

5. Ideal Use Cases in IMS Shops

  • Hybrid batch jobs involving Db2 and IMS

  • Reporting workloads driven through Db2

  • VSAM datasets supporting IMS-DB segments

  • LPARs with tight CPU budgets or SLA constraints

CPS delivers low-risk, high-reward optimization inside IMS shops by targeting the areas that most directly affect performance and cost—Db2 access and VSAM storage. Whether IMS is your front-end, your database layer, or both, TT and TTSQL are capable of improving outcomes with minimal operational lift.