The Co:Z Launcher was designed to allow any z/OS batch job to remotely launch a process on a distributed system, redirecting input and output from the remote process to traditional z/OS datasets or spool files.

Remote processes are securely launched using proven SSH (Secure Shell) technology to the target platform, which may be Linux or other Unix/POSIX platforms.

The remote/target process can use Dataset Pipes commands or APIs to "reach back" into the Co:Z Launcher jobstep and access z/OS datasets - by name or "DD" reference. These APIs allow for very flexible control over the conversion of record-oriented z/OS datasets to or from byte-stream pipes usable by the target application.

From the perspective of the z/OS operator, the job can be managed and controlled like other batch jobs. Output from long running remote processes is immediately available on SYSOUT spool files. z/OS console commands can be used to control, monitor the remote process. z/OS automation facilities can be engaged throughout to manage and control distributed processes started by the Co:Z Launcher.

Co:Z Target System Toolkit

To use the Co:Z Launcher to launch remote processes to non z/OS systems, build and install the Co:Z Target System Toolkit source code on each remote system. Refer to the download page for instructions on building the source code.

Examples:

The Co:Z Launcher Examples section of the user's guide provides several examples.

Review z/OS Hybrid Batch for more information on the processing model as well as a short introduction video and case study.