C\TREK™ Corporation specializes in CICS performance tuning software, consulting, and training services for IBM mainframe data centers. Founded in 2001 by experts in CICS performance optimization, the company aims to streamline the process of enhancing CICS system efficiency. Their flagship product, the C\TREK™ Expert CICS Performance Tuner™, automates the analysis of extensive CICS data, identifies performance issues, and provides specific recommendations for improvement. This approach enables data center managers to recover wasted system resources, delay costly system upgrades, and adopt a proactive stance in CICS performance management.
Key Features and Functionality:
- Automated Performance Analysis: The software evaluates vast amounts of CICS operating data to detect performance bottlenecks and suggests corrective actions.
- Comprehensive System Coverage: It encompasses analysis and tuning of System Initialization Table parameters, VSAM files, LSR pools, CICS and z/OS control blocks, Temporary Storage, DB2, and abend handling.
- VSAM File Tuning: The tool simplifies VSAM file tuning by identifying issues such as over-allocation of disk space, improper Control Interval Size , and insufficient free space, providing specific recommendations for cluster definitions.
- DB2 Optimization: It offers insights into the CICS-DB2 connection, including thread allocation and reconciliation, aiding in optimizing database interactions.
- Abend Handling: The software captures information on program check abends, storage violations, and short-on-storage conditions, facilitating quick problem identification and resolution.
- Proactive Performance Management: By automating routine performance analysis, it allows less experienced system programmers to manage tasks typically reserved for seasoned professionals, promoting a proactive approach to system performance.
Primary Value and User Solutions:
The C\TREK™ Expert CICS Performance Tuner™ addresses the challenges of managing increasingly complex mainframe environments by:
- Resource Optimization: Recovering wasted CPU cycles, disk space, and storage, thereby enhancing system efficiency.
- Cost Savings: Delaying or avoiding expensive mainframe capacity upgrades through improved resource utilization.
- Operational Efficiency: Enabling less experienced system programmers to perform complex tuning tasks, reducing the reliance on scarce expert resources.
- Improved Application Performance: Enhancing business application response times and reducing downtime by proactively managing performance issues.
- Training and Orientation: Serving as a valuable tool for orienting and training new staff on the CICS operating environment.
By shifting from reactive crisis management to proactive performance optimization, C\TREK™ empowers organizations to maintain smooth operation of mission-critical applications in complex data center environments.
