The InFlight Reloader (IFR) Feature

The XPFC system provides a powerful environment with which to automate and exploit high volume Xerox Lasers Printing Systems (LPS).

XPFC exists in two forms - online and offline. The online version comprises JES2 EXIT code, whilst the offline version runs as a discrete External Writer utility.

The XPFC system is "driven" by user defined and maintained controls in the XPFC Configurator File. Any changes or extensions required to change how the LPS's are driven are simply implemented by editing this Configurator File.

Whilst the Configurator File is compatible across both online and offline XPFC variants, the operational procedures governing testing and implementation are radically different.

Testing the offline variant is relatively simple because the XPFC External Writer can be run under the control of the central operator as and when necessary. Failures affect nobody other than those involved with that particular External Writer job.

Testing the online XPFC environment is achieved by the use of a Secondary JES2 system, or a Test Partition, and then transferring the tested Configurator File to the production live XPFC/JES2 environment, necessitating at the minimum a HOT start of JES2.

It is recognised that those sites making full use of the online XPFC system find that these IBM dictated constraints are fast becoming intolerable.

V3R3 provides a new online XPFC feature (not needed in the offline variant) that will allow a new/updated Configurator File to be loaded "Inflight" without the need to restart JES2 in any manner.

This new feature is called the InFlight Reloader (IFR).