The Large Systems working group is an active group that meets 4 times a year. We discuss the latest developments in zOS and related products, be they IBM or third party.

We also address other items that are of interest to members of the Group.

A typical meeting will normally contain the following elements

1. latest news and product announcements from IBM and other complementary vendors
2. vendor and user presentations
3. educational content on a particular subject or theme
4. exchange of information on problems
5. hints and tips

The primary audience are zSeries Systems Programmers although there are often topics of interest to other areas.

General Objectives

1. Provide a forum for an exchange of ideas and experience
2. Provide a variety of technical presentations of value to the membership
3. Provide a network of systems programmers that a member can call on
4. Provide a method for members to get the support of others for changes to IBM products
5. Provide a method for members to get the support of others for changes to vendor's products
6. Cover all IBM mainframe operating systems and major subsystems (such as JES2)
7. Cover both IBM and non-IBM program products
8. Function as a catch-all for areas where there is no working group
9. Encourage the flow of ideas and information both during the meeting and through Contact Sessions

Specific Objectives for 2008

1. To continue to increase value to the membership and, where possible, to increase membership
2. To hold 4 meetings in locations spread across the UK
3. To increase the use of the Internet for distributing working group information
4. To build on the successes of previous years

Working Group Information

Number of meetings each year: 4

Average number of participants: 20 - 30

Presentations Required

Presentations/call for papers for the October 2008 GSE Annual conference in the UK and the regular Large Systems meetings.

We are looking for zOS (Large Systems) related presentations of a technical nature. Each session is 60 minutes in duration and I would consider double sessions for the right material. If you are interested in presenting please submit a short description of your suggestion and a brief bio to Mark Wilson and I will add it to the list for consideration.

All submissions gratefully received.