Virtual IMS User Groups

Upcoming Virtual IMS Session

All about SMP/E (System Modification Program/Extended) — It’s SiMPlified!!!

September 1, 2026

SMP/E (System Modification Program/Extended) is the foundation of software maintenance and update management within the z/OS ecosystem. This session provides a practical introduction to core SMP/E concepts and terminology, helping attendees better understand how controlled software maintenance is managed on the mainframe. Topics will include PTFs, APARs, SYSMODs, USERMODs, CSI structure, and the overall PTF lifecycle. Attendees will also gain an overview of the standard SMP/E workflow, including RECEIVE, APPLY, and ACCEPT processing, along with a discussion of SMP/E zone architecture (GLOBAL, TARGET, and DISTRIBUTION zones). The session will touch on dependency management concepts such as REQ, CO-REQ, and PRE-REQ relationships, as well as migration considerations following testing. Designed as an accessible introduction, this session aims to simplify SMP/E concepts while reinforcing their importance to maintaining stable and reliable z/OS environments.