Abstract: Selecting a destination host for a data transfer includes transmitting, by a computer where data for the data transfer is locally stored, an inquiry message to a plurality of potential destination hosts, wherein the inquiry message requests that each of the plurality of potential destination hosts evaluate their current utilization load; and receiving a respective reply message from at least one of the plurality of potential destination hosts. Selecting, based on the respective reply message from the at least one of the plurality of potential destination hosts, of one of the plurality of potential destination hosts to be the destination host for the data transfer can then occur.

Abstract: Coordinating a data transfer between a sending computer and a receiving computer that are both members of a message group of a sysplex includes transmitting, by the sending computer using a first communications channel, a scheduling message directly to the receiving computer, wherein the scheduling message comprises meta-data about a desired data transfer; receiving, by the sending computer, a reply message from the receiving computer agreeing to participate in the desired data transfer; wherein the reply message is received via the first communications channel; and transmitting, by the sending computer using a second communications channel, data related to the desired data transfer, wherein the first and second communications channels are different from one another.

Abstract: Implementing a signaling service protocol to permit signaling service messages between members for a message group of a sysplex coupled together using a signaling service includes executing a data transfer application that communicates with a respective partner data transfer application on each member of the message group, the data transfer application comprised of a plurality of interworking modules including a converter module. The converter module receives a request related to performing a communication-related function from one of the other interworking modules, and wherein the converter module comprises a plurality of sub-modules with each sub-module corresponding to a respective communications-related function. Based on the request the converter module determines what particular communication-related function is being requested and then identifies a corresponding sub-module within the converter module.

Abstract: Processing a request from a sending computer that is a co-member of a message group of a sysplex coupled together using a signaling service includes determining, by a receiving computer, that a signaling service message has been received from the sending computer, wherein the signaling service message relates to a data transfer between the sending computer and the receiving computer and wherein the data transfer relates to an exchange of one or more files between the sending and receiving computers using a communications channel other than the signaling service. This processing also includes decoding, by the receiving computer, the signaling service message to determine contents of the signaling service message related to the data transfer; and performing, by the receiving computer, an action related to the data transfer based on the contents of the signaling service message.

Abstract: Pacing communications between a message sending computer and a message receiving computer that are both members of a message group of a sysplex includes receiving, by the message receiving computer, a message comprising data sent by the message sending computer; determining, by the message receiving computer, to stop receiving a subsequent message from the message sending computer; and transmitting, by the message receiving computer to the message sending computer, a first control message instructing the message sending computer to not send any more messages. Pacing further includes determining, by the message receiving computer, to resume receiving the subsequent message from the message sending computer; and transmitting, by the message receiving computer to the message sending computer, a second control message instructing the message sending computer to resume sending messages.

Abstract: Processing a request from a sending computer that is a co-member of a message group of a sysplex coupled together using a signaling service includes the steps of: determining, by a receiving computer, that a signaling service message has been received from the sending computer, wherein the signaling service message relates to a data transfer between the sending computer and the receiving computer and wherein the data transfer relates to an exchange of one or more files between the sending and receiving computers using a communications channel other than the signaling service. This processing also includes decoding, by the receiving computer, a control block data structure associated with the signaling service message to determine contents of the control block data structure; and performing, by the receiving computer, an action related to the data transfer based on the contents of the control block data structure associated with the signaling service message.

Abstract: Processing a request from a sending computer that is a co-member of a message group of a sysplex coupled together using a signaling service includes the steps of: determining, by a receiving computer, that a signaling service message has been received from the sending computer, wherein the signaling service message relates to a data transfer between the sending computer and the receiving computer and wherein the data transfer relates to an exchange of one or more files between the sending and receiving computers using a communications channel other than the signaling service. This processing also includes decoding, by the receiving computer, a control block data structure associated with the signaling service message to determine contents of the control block data structure; and performing, by the receiving computer, an action related to the data transfer based on the contents of the control block data structure associated with the signaling service message.

Abstract: Generating a signaling service message for a message group of a sysplex coupled together using a signaling service includes executing, on a computer, a data transfer application that communicates with a respective partner data transfer application on each member of the message group, the data transfer application comprised of a plurality of interworking modules including an interface module. Generating the message also includes receiving by the interface module a request from one of the other interworking modules that is related to sending the signaling service message; and based on the request, determining by the interface module a type of message for the signaling service message. Based on the type of message, the interface module identifies a corresponding routine of an operating system executing on the computer which will generate the signaling service message; and invoking the corresponding routine which causes the operating system to generate the signaling service message.

Abstract: Processing a request from a sending computer that is a co-member of a message group of a sysplex coupled together using a signaling service includes the steps of: determining, by a receiving computer, that a signaling service message has been received from the sending computer, wherein the signaling service message relates to a data transfer between the sending computer and the receiving computer and wherein the data transfer relates to an exchange of one or more files between the sending and receiving computers using a communications channel other than the signaling service. This processing also includes decoding, by the receiving computer, a control block data structure associated with the signaling service message to determine contents of the control block data structure; and performing, by the receiving computer, an action related to the data transfer based on the contents of the control block data structure associated with the signaling service message.