In one of the POC, we were trying to convert Mainframe EBCDIC data formats to ASCII using Perl scripts.
Boy oh boy ! It was pure struggle.
We tested on Mainframe SMF ((System Management Facility data) files. This includes system-level information, application details, security events, transaction data, database information, and more.
What in the world is SMF?
SMF is a logging capability within the IBM z/OS mainframe operating system that captures detailed information about every activity occurring within the system.
This includes system-level information, application details, security events, transaction data, database information, and more.
SMF data is a significant source of operational and security information on the mainframe.
SMF data is a significant source of operational and security information on the mainframe, though it is also complex to extract information from
Spent hours browsing throgh IBM manuals to understand the SMF data structure.
SMF (System Management Facility) data on IBM z/OS mainframes is stored in EBCDIC format.
EBCDIC uses an 8-bit code (allows it to represent up to 256 unique characters - i.e. stores more in less).
ASCII, on the other hand, uses a 7-bit code - limiting it to representing up to 128 unique characters.
SMF data is highly complex - each aspect of the system generating a unique record type - which itself is self-describing and can contain thousands of unique fields.
Records often consist of multiple parts - known as subtypes - which require expertise to decompose for use.
Once decomposed, fields can be easily utilized by those familiar with analytics platforms.
Operational Intelligence: SMF data is used to gain insights into the operational health of the system and applications, addressing security challenges, and meeting organizational needs.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): SMF data is crucial for IT Operational Analytics providing organizations with valuable information for security management and compliance.
We are trying to translate EDCDIC data into human-readable format.
Used the Convert::EBCDIC Module.
The Convert::EBCDIC module allows for direct conversion between EBCDIC and ASCII strings.
You can either use the provided functions directly or instantiate a translator object for more control.
You can install it via CPAN.
As of now, we are figuring things out.
I will write more about it later.