Why is an upgrade required to Optimizer for z/OS 2.2 & z/OS 2.3 ?

Products

• Optimizer/II

Issue/Introduction

The client is currently running Optimizer release 7.0 which is used to optimize OS/VS COBOL programs. The client would like to know why an upgrade is required for Optimizer 7.0 to run under z/OS 2.2 and or z/OS 2.3 ? What is not compatible (what will break) if the upgrade is not done? 

Resolution

When a program is Optimized, a stub is appended to the load module. The Optimizer runtime must be started, which is usually at IPL time by CAS9 CAIRIM in order for the program to execute. If the Optimizer runtime is not active the optimized program being executed will abend. 

In November 2013 Broadcom announced End of Life for the Optimizer 7.0 Runtime. As per the link below clients are entitled to a free copy of the Optimizer/II  runtime. At this time the latest release of Optimizer/II is 8.5. The Optimizer/II 8.5 runtime takes the place of the Optimizer 7.0 runtime. So sites currently running the Optimizer 7.0 runtime must upgrade to a supported runtime release. 

The z/OS 2.2 and 2.3 certification was only done on the Optimizer/II 8.5 runtime which is now the only supported runtime. 

This link will direct you to the Optimizer end of life announcement.