Installing CA Easytrieve Report Generator is a systems programming task—not something application developers perform daily. Broadcom ships Easytrieve 11.6 for z/OS through SMP/E (or z/OSMF workflows), allocates libraries such as CBAALOAD and sample JCL in CBAAJCL, and requires post-install configuration of the options table before developers can compile with PGM=EZTPA00. This page orients beginners to what installation means and how the pieces connect.
Systems programmers acquire the product pax from Broadcom Support, run SMP/E receive and apply jobs, allocate datasets, and configure global options. Application developers consume the result: STEPLIB to CBAALOAD, procs in CBAAJCL, and an options table file. When your compile fails with missing EZTPA00 or EZOPTBL errors, the root cause is often installation or configuration—not your source code.
Understanding installation at a high level helps you request the right library names in change tickets, read shop standards documents, and distinguish compile errors from environment misconfiguration.
| Method | Typical user | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| SMP/E JCL | Systems programmer | Classic batch jobs: mount USS pax, receive, apply, accept, install into target libraries |
| z/OSMF | Systems programmer | Workflow-driven install through z/OS Management Facility UI |
| Distributed install | Platform admin | Separate media/process for UNIX, Linux, Windows Easytrieve Plus |
Broadcom documents these major phases for pax-based SMP/E installation:
Each site names libraries with a high-level qualifier (for example PROD.EZT.R116.CBAALOAD). Your JCL must use your site names—not generic Broadcom examples copied literally.
| Library suffix | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CBAALOAD | Load modules: EZTPA00 compiler/runtime, EZTINI, runtime support |
| CBAAJCL | Sample installation and configuration JCL (JOB06OP1, JOB06OP2, etc.) |
| CBAASRC or similar | Source samples and macros (site-dependent naming) |
| EZOPTBL file | Options table file—not always a PDS; file DSN configured at install |
| Application load library | Where your compiled programs (load modules) are stored |
Broadcom explicitly allows running an older release in one SMP/E environment while 11.6 runs in another. Installing 11.6 into an existing SMP/E environment can remove previous release libraries in that environment—plan separate zones. Migration from 6.4 to 11.6 includes options table conversion, compatibility mode testing (PARM COMPAT), and eventual new-function mode validation.
Developers upgrading programs should read Broadcom "Migrate from Release 6.4 to 11.6" and "Differences Between Releases" before mass recompile.
Release 11.x uses a file-based options table. JCL can specify //EZOPTBL DD pointing to the dataset. If omitted at compile/execute time, Easytrieve reads the default DSN from the EZTINI load module in CBAALOAD—created during installation job JOB06OP1 per Broadcom configuration best practices.
Setting global options in the options table reduces per-program PARM clutter and standardizes report behavior site-wide. Options can still be overridden locally with PARM and REPORT statements.
Broadcom mainframe products require proper licensing. Easytrieve 11.6 documentation references site key installation—coordinate with your software asset management team.
Broadcom provides "Verify Your Installation" steps: compile and execute a sample program using CBAAJCL examples, confirm SYSPRINT listing, check return codes, and validate EZTPA00 resolves from STEPLIB. Developers should not proceed with production migration until this baseline succeeds.
Installing Easytrieve is like setting up a printing shop in the basement of a big building. The systems programmer brings the machines (libraries), connects power (SMP/E), and sets the default settings (options table). You, the report writer, just need to know which button to press (JCL proc) when you want to print your homework—after the shop is built.
1. Who typically installs Easytrieve on z/OS?
2. Broadcom recommends installing release 11.6:
3. The main runtime load library for Easytrieve 11.6 on z/OS is often named:
4. The options table on 11.x z/OS is:
5. Installation methods documented by Broadcom include: