Sharing user macros across multiple instances of Virtel

Update PTF5056 introduced the sharing of user macros across multiple instances of Virtel. This feature is particularly useful where a user can connect to one of several instances of Virtel within in Sysplex Distributed environment.

In the following scenario a user sessions can be directed to one of three Virtel instances through the distributing Sysplex Distributor.

User macros are maintained in the browser’s cache and in the TRSF files through the %USR% directory entry defined in the ARBO file. Before PTF5056, if the user added or updated a macro and then reconnected to a different Virtel instance the macro entry maintained in the TRSF wouldn’t reflect the latest updates, consequently any cache refresh would lose those updates.

With PTF5056, a timestamp is used to synchronize user macros between the browser’s cache and any local TRSF file that the user connects to. If the timestamp in the cache is later than the macro entry in the local TRSF file, the TRSF file will be updated. Conversely, if the macros in the local TRSF is later than the cache equivalent, then the macro will be reloaded in cache from the TRSF file.

Implementation of synchronized user macros requires that the USR-DIR directory should be defined. See the following example.

Also, the following transactions need to be defined in the W2H end point:-

W2H-05U – maclib

W2H-80U – uplusr

Once these definitions are in place in the ARBO file and the UPDT5056 has been uploaded to your W2H-DIR you should be able to synchronize macros across instances of Virtel.

Opening the Virtel macro pad should reveal the macros held within the USR-DIR.

The USER list in the above example has three macros. The small icons on the right against each macro are “Edit” and “Delete” respectively.

Clicking the “Edit” icon will open a work pad where the macro can be edited. Changes can then be saved or cancelled.

Any changes made will be refelcted back to the local TRSF file. If a subsequent logon is targeted to a different Virtel instance, and consequently a different local TRSF, then the cache in the the browser will updated the local TRSF file as the timestamp in the browser for the macro will be later than the timestamp held in the TRSF file.