MVS
Summary
OS/MVS was IBM’s primary mainframe OS for decades.
“Multiple Virtual Space. Virtual storage OS for IBM 370, derived from MVT. Originally called VS2, Release 2. First release 1974.” Professor Jim Mooney’s list of Batch Systems for Large Computers
Intended purpose
Server/mainframe: medium to large scale servers; mainframes (originally a batch system)
Desktop/workstation: workstations (for those with command line familiarity)
Handheld: not appropriate
Real time: not appropriate
Kind of OS: proprietary
Release Date: initial release 1974
Current Version: 5.2
Cost:
Hardware Supported: System/360 mainframes, System/370 mainframes, System/390 mainframes (and compatibles)
Maximum Number of Processors: “MVS can handle multiple sysplex processors (in parallel)” — Pat Jaworski
Number of bits:
Kernel: proprietary
POSIX: certified
“Interestingly enough, IBM’s MVS mainframe operating system is now X/Open branded.” — Steve Byan
Peripherals:
File Systems Supported:
Other Systems Emulated:
Graphics Engine:
Text Command Shell: JCL
User Interface (graphic):
Graphic Command Shell:
Disabled support:
Internet Services:
Application Programs:
Security:
Other:
“A mainframe can be a great back-end to a mission critical enterprise database system. All you need on the client end is an OS/2, AIX, Windoze9x/NT workstation (or vitually ANY PC or home computer capable of TN3270 protocol).” — Pat Jaworski
References
Scherr, A.L. Functional structure of IBM virtual storage operating systems. Part II: OS/VS2-2 concepts and philosophies. IBMSJ Vol. 12, No. 4, 1973, pp. 383-401.
Auslander, M.A., et al. The Evolution of the MVS Operating System. IBMJRD, Vol. 25, No. 5, Sept. 1981, pp. 471-482.