ViewPoint Manual

ViewPoint Manual426801-001
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Introduction to ViewPoint
Introduction
ViewPoint is a software product that runs on a console and is used to observe and
control conditions in a Compaq system or network of systems. ViewPoint is a Compaq
application of the Pathway transaction processing system. It is one of the set of products
referred to as Distributed Systems Management (DSM).
Any number of network or system operators can use the application simultaneously,
each viewing and controlling separate aspects of network (or system) operation through
the ViewPoint screen displays and special-purpose commands. Control can occur at one
terminal or system in the network or at a number of terminals on a number of systems.
You can run ViewPoint from any Compaq 6530-compatible terminal. (You should not
use the Operations and Service Processor (OSP) to collect messages because it does not
operate in block mode. Also, the IBM 3270 terminal is not supported.)
ViewPoint Features
ViewPoint provides an integrated view of the systems in a distributed network and
includes the following features:
Displays the status of a variety of objects in the network on a single block-mode
status screen. The status screen allows operators to monitor the availability and
usage of objects such as CPUs, disks, terminals, and communications lines.
Displays messages about current or past events occurring anywhere in the network
on a set of block-mode events screens. The events screens allow operators to
monitor significant occurrences or problems in the network as they occur. Critical
events or events requiring immediate action are highlighted.
Optionally, includes a conversational TACL (Compaq Tandem Advanced Computer
Language) screen for interaction with local or remote command interpreters and
with a Define Process library that allows concurrent sessions with multiple
command interpreters from a single terminal. Operators at the TACL screen can
communicate with command interpreters or other utilities, and the operators can use
the Define Process commands to run a number of background processes
simultaneously.
Interfaces with high-PIN servers and processes enable the following capabilities to
be configured into the product:
Processes can run at a high PIN if there is a high-PIN available for your system.
(However, this does not include the following processes: ZVPT-EVNT-COLL,
ZVPT-EVNT-NTFY, and ZVPT-EVLE-COLL).
ViewPoint processes can communicate with high-PIN servers.
High-PIN processes can create ViewPoint processes.
ViewPoint processes can create high-PIN processes.