IBM normally introduces new APIs as part of a release upgrade, but at times IBM also employs PTFs to add new APIs between releases. In the previous installment of APIs by Example, I presented a couple of new Zip APIs (the QzipZip and QzipUnzip APIs), which had recently been added to release 7.1 by means of a PTF. Today I discuss another PTF’d addition to the IBM API inventory. As opposed to the Zip APIs that were only made available to release 7.1, the new Retrieve IOA Cache Battery Information (QSMRTVBTC) API is offered for the three most recent releases. So even if you’re still on release 5.4, you’ll be able to download and install the API, should you feel inclined to do so.
In today’s article I use the new QSMRTVBTC API as the backbone for three new CL commands. I provide examples of how to exploit the API in terms of building the code around it, as well as supporting your operations staff by giving them immediate access to information otherwise involving the Start Service Tools (STRSST) command and employing either the Hardware Service Manager or the Display/Alter/Dump services. IBM also recently released another PTF allowing you to display or print IOA cache battery information by calling the QSMBTTCC program delivered by the PTF. I, however, prefer to be in charge of the coding myself, because that lets me design the API interfaces to reflect my personal preferences and requirements, and that’s how the Work with IOA Cache Battery Status (WRKCCBSTS), the Display IOA Cache Battery Data (DSPCCBDTA), and the Check IOA Cache Battery Status (CHKCCBSTS) CL commands came about.
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