1.1 Interactive, Batch and Overnight Processing

To ensure smooth running, it is recommended that all development and "end" users of the system conform to the following guidelines:

• Any work that can be done in batch should be done in batch.

• Any batch work not required today should be submitted for overnight execution.

To this end, it is recommended that you think about configuring your system to run batch work along these lines:

• Daytime batch jobs that are reasonably expected to take less than five minutes to execute should be sent to job queue 1 for execution.

• Any other daytime batch job should be sent to job queue 2.

• Jobs that are not required on the current day may be submitted to job queue 3. This job queue is held during the day and only released at night.

Some other points about running batch jobs on the IBM i are:

• Resist the temptation to allow more than two batch jobs to execute concurrently (no matter how large your machine is), until all other performance factors have been fully evaluated and tested.

• When evaluating batch throughput, measure the time from when the batch job was placed onto the job queue until it completes - NOT from the time is begins to execute until it completes.

• Think about leaving your machine running 24 hours a day, or at least running at night until all batch work has been completed. Either of these approaches can be fully automated and usually do not require an operator to be in attendance.