XPFC for MVS/JES2 Package Overview

Introduction
The XPFC package (Xerox Printer Feature Controller) is a powerful and flexible DJDE insertion package for all MVS/JES2 systems.

XPFC was designed and developed specifically to drive high volume Xerox Laser Printing Systems (LPS) connected to large IBM host mainframe systems.

The most popular XPFC system provides support for online connected LPS's, but there is also a fully compatible offline (tape/cartridge) system, thus providing maximum operational freedom and flexibility. The offline variant of XPFC is effectively a discrete (replacement) External Writer task, and is fully compatible with the online version of XPFC.

There is now also a UNIX implementation of XPFC that provides further improvements to XPFC's market-proven "mainframe quality" features, scope, and flexibility for commercial strength UNIX systems - There's a whole load of pages on this site that cover the UNIX variant in some detail.

XPFC exploits the existing JCL control infrastructure of MVS/JES2 and brings added functionality, performance, reliability, and the integrity required for highly automated operation/management of high volume Xerox LPS's.

XPFC provides full LPS control at individual SYSOUT dataset level within a print job - selective processing with respect to output class, copy number and destination printer name is possible!

Each SYSOUT dataset within a print job could have different LPS controls, because XPFC will automatically plant the necessary DJDE's at the appropriate points in the print datastream.

XPFC will drive all 87xx, 97xx, 4xxx high volume Xerox LPS's without change. Multiple concurrent online LPS operation, mixed LPS model (ie 4090 & 4850) concurrent working, and concurrent online and offline XPFC spooling are all fully supported.

XPFC is a standard product line item from Xerox Corporation, and Xerox in Europe, giving you the assurance that you are working with people and products that will meet your organisation's needs.

The XPFC system comprises just three basic components;

The easily maintained and understood XPFC Configurator File whose layout and content is virtually self-explanatory - it is maintained using any of the standard MVS/JES2 editors

and,

A stand-alone batch utility program which takes the Configurator File Source, verifies the contents and produces a runtime version

and,

The XPFC JES2 Exit routines which process the print datastream(s), format, and "plant" the various cover sheets, LPS control sequences, and separator records as required ..... getting the various definitions and "rules" from the Configurator File.

How Does It Work ?
XPFC operates as a "back-end" to the MVS/JES2 spooling system. It does not change or amend users print files on the spool .... all the "added value" services are implemented as JES2 writes the output to the LPS printer ..... XPFC adds the various cover sheet and LPS control sequences into the actual print datastream "in flight".

Reversion to conventional printers is assured, and end-user involvement is typically ZERO.

The driving force behind XPFC is the Configurator File ....... this defines "skeleton" cover sheets and DJDE LPS control strings to be inserted "in flight" as the print data is actually being (de)spooled by JES2. Sections of the Configurator File also define lists of permitted parameter values, LPS controls to be "FORCE"d onto specific named (or part-named) reports, XPFC runtime options, and defaults.

Jobs can directly control LPS printing through JCL parameters ...... or XPFC can be made to re-act to certain JCL and dataset names...... the two approaches could even be used together.

XPFC produces a totally self-managed print datastream incorporating all the various covers, DJDE's, inter-file separators, etc ..... to control the LPS - thus reducing MVS/JES2 and LPS operator involvement to the absolute minimum.

To the MVS/JES2 operator, and the MVS/JES2 user community in general, XPFC is almost invisible. Once installed, no extra support resources are required.

The Quick Start Deck supplied with XPFC provides a realistic and practical starting point from which you can develop the XPFC system further - it includes all the associated MVS/JES2 and LPS based files to ensure an exceptionally rapid implementation and initial demonstration. All Quick Start Deck components are supplied in source form, so that users can edit them and implement changes to satisfy any of their new or local requirements.

The Benefits & Advantages

	Easy to install and test without any special facilities or procedures
	Minimal training required - mainly use of an editor and standard Xerox LPS control DJDE facilities
	Modifying the Configurator File is simple, safe, and risk free
	The Configurator File can identify individual datasets, or groups of datasets, and automatically apply your specified LPS controls "in flight"
	No changes needed to jobs, JCL, packages, or user application programs
	Automated Local/Remote LPS operations easily supported
	DJDE's are inserted at all the vital points, so no need to group together reports of a given style and no LPS operator activity either
	XPFC conditions the print datastream automatically when (de)spooling to the Xerox printer ....... thus allowing allowing (line mode) print datastreams to use ALL the sophisticated LPS facilities ....... JES2 wasn't meant to drive Xerox LPS's !