O

OAF

See origin address field (OAF).

object

(1) A named storage space that consists of a set of characteristics that describe itself and, in some cases, data. An object is anything that exists in and occupies space in storage and on which operations can be performed. Some examples of objects are programs, files, libraries, and folders.

(2) A visual part of the interface that the user can work with to perform a task. Icons and text are examples of objects.

(3) In MQSeries, objects define the attributes of queue managers, queues, and process definitions.

(4) In DB2 UDB for AS/400, anything that can be created or manipulated with SQL statements, such as databases, tables, views, or indexes.

(5) In object-oriented programming, a software entity consisting of instance data and the methods that can be performed on that data. An object is an instance of a class.

object-action paradigm

In VisualAge RPG, a pattern for interaction in which a user selects an object and then selects an action to apply to that object.

object alter authority

An object authority that allows the user to change the attributes of an object, such as specifying a trigger for a database file or changing the attributes of an SQL package. See also object operational authority, object management authority, object existence authority, and object reference authority.

object auditing

A function of the OS/400 operating system that creates audit records for specified types of access to an object.

object authority

A specific authority that controls what a system user can do with an entire object. For example, object authority includes deleting, moving, or renaming an object. There are five types of object authorities: object operational, object management, object existence, object alter, and object reference.

object class

(1) A categorization or grouping of objects that share similar behaviors and circumstances.

(2) In DCE Cell Directory Service (CDS), an identified family of objects that share certain characteristics. An object class can be specific to one application or shared among a group of applications.

(3) In OSI, a way of grouping things of the same type, such as by country or application entity. A set of common object classes has been defined by the ISO/CCITT directory standards.

object class table (OCT)

In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), a recurring attribute of the directory schema with the description of the object classes permitted.

object code

Programming instructions that were processed by the compiler into code that can be read by the computer.

OBJECT-COMPUTER

In COBOL, the name of an Environment Division paragraph in which the computer environment, within which the program is started, is described.

object computer entry

In COBOL, an entry in the OBJECT-COMPUTER paragraph of the Environment Division that contains clauses that describe the computer environment in which the program is to be started.

object decomposition

The process of breaking an object into its component parts.

object definition file (ODF)

In VisualAge RPG, self-contained components that can be shared across applications.

object definition table (ODT)

A table built at compile time by the system to keep track of objects declared in the program. The program objects in the table include variables, constants, labels, operand lists and exception descriptions. The table resides in the compiled program object.

object description

The characteristics (such as name, type, and owner name) that describe an object.

object descriptor

In MQSeries, a data structure that identifies a particular MQM object. Included in the descriptor are the name of the object and the object type.

object distribution

A function that allows a user to send source and data files, save files, job streams, spooled files, and messages to another user, either locally or on an SNADS network.

object entry

In the DCE Cell Directory Service (CDS), the name of a resource (such as a node, disk, or application) and its associated attributes, as stored by CDS. See entry.

object existence authority

An object authority that allows the user to delete the object, free storage of the object, save and restore the object, transfer ownership of the object, and create an object that was named by an authority holder. See also object operational authority, object management authority, object alter authority, and object reference authority.

object handle

In MQSeries, the identifier or token by which a program accesses the MQM object with which it is working.

object hierarchy

A way of illustrating relationships among objects. Each object that appears in a level below another object is an example of the upper object.

object ID

An ISO-defined format for identifying elements within an OSI network. An object ID consists of a string of integers. The integers in the string can identify a particular standards body, an enterprise, or the type or value of an object. An object ID is intended to be a universal identifier of an object. Examples of values that are specified in object ID format are abstract syntaxes, application context names, and application process titles.

object identifier

A value (distinguishable from all other such values) that is associated with an information object. It is formally defined in the CCITT X.208 standard.

object information repository (OIR)

In System Manager, the information about each object that identifies which product it is associated with, such as the release level, option, and the load identifier.

object management authority

An object authority that allows the user to specify the authority for the object, move or rename the object, and add members to database files. See also object operational authority, object existence authority, object alter authority, and object reference authority.

object management (OM)

In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), the creation, examination, modification, and deletion of potentially complex information objects.

object name

(1) The name of an object. Contrast with qualified name.

(2) In DCE Cell Directory Service (CDS), a name for a network resource.

object of entry

In COBOL, a set of operands and reserved words, within a Data Division entry of a COBOL program, that immediately follow the subject of the entry.

object operational authority

An object authority that allows the user to look at the description of an object and use the object as determined by the user's data authorities to the object. See also all authority, use authority, object existence authority, object management authority, object alter authority, and object reference authority.

object orientation

An orientation in which the user works with objects, rather that applications, to perform tasks.

object-oriented programming

A method for structuring programs as hierarchically organized classes describing the data and operations of objects that may interact with other objects. (T)

object-oriented user interface

In VisualAge RPG, a type of user interface that implements the object-action paradigm.

object owner

A user who creates an object or to whom the ownership of an object was reassigned. The object owner has complete control over the object.

object program

In the original program model (OPM), a set of instructions in machine-readable form. The object program is produced by a compiler from a source program. In the Integrated Language Environment (ILE) model, an object program is the result of binding modules together.

object reference authority

An object authority that allows the user to specify a database file as the first level in a referential constraint. See also object operational authority, object management authority, object alter authority, and object existence authority.

object request broker (ORB)

(1) The mechanism that enables objects to communicate with each other across a network. The ORB handles services for security, registration, and object management.

(2) In Java, a communications mechanism for object-oriented systems. An ORB sends and receives object requests between nodes in a distributed object system. The ORB provides object naming capabilities, parameter marshaling, and other functions such that calls to remote objects work as though they are local object calls. ORBs are based on the CORBA IIOP standard.

object subclass

An object created from another object and from which the properties of the original object are inherited.

object superclass

The object from which subclass objects are created. The properties of the superclass object are inherited by the superclass object.

object time

In COBOL, the time at which a program is run.

object type

In query management, the substring following the query command name that specifies the type of query object to be processed.

object UUID

In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), the Universal Unique Identifier (UUID) that identifies a particular RPC object. See object.

observability

The property of an object, which is derived from data stored with the object, that allows source to be retrieved from the object, allows the object to be re-created without being recompiled, and allows the object to be symbolically debugged.

obstruction

An object that prevents something from working correctly.

OCR

See overcommitment ratio (OCR).

OCT

See object class table (OCT).

octet

A byte composed of eight binary elements. (I) (A)

odd footer

In the OfficeVision program, a footer that is printed only on odd-numbered pages. Compare with even footer.

odd header

In the OfficeVision program, a header that is printed only on odd-numbered pages. Compare with even header.

odd positive acknowledgment

See ACK1.

ODF

See object definition file (ODF).

ODP

See open data path (ODP).

ODT

See object definition table (ODT).

OEM

See original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Office

See OfficeVision.

office application description

The point of access used by an OfficeVision program to start a third-party office application.

office application entry

An indicator that identifies for a user the office application description used to process documents in a particular document type set.

OfficeVision

The IBM licensed program that allows users to prepare, send, and receive mail; schedule items on calendars; maintain directories of names and addresses; file and retrieve documents; and create and maintain distribution lists. OfficeVision also provides word processing functions and the capability to work on behalf of other users.

offline

Pertaining to the operation of a functional unit that is not under the continual control of the system. Contrast with online.

offset

(1) The distance from the beginning of an object to the beginning of a particular field, or for substring operations, the number of character positions from the beginning of a field.

(2) In the OfficeVision program, the first page from a printed copy from the 6670 printer that sticks out from the remaining pages to separate one job from another.

(3) In the GDDM function, the number of character grid units from a reference point.

(4) In processing or printing spooled files, the distance (in centimeters or inches) from the point of origin or from a specific reference point to the location where a finishing operation or a formatting operation starts. Examples of offsets include the position of margins or the position of overlays.

offset pie slice

In Business Graphics Utility, a slice that is slightly removed from a pie chart to emphasize it.

offset stacking

In AFP support, a function that allows the printed output pages to be offset for easy separation of the print jobs.

ohm

A unit of measure of electrical resistance.

OIR

See object information repository (OIR).

OM

See object management (OM).

OM attribute

In DCE X/Open Object Management, an object management (OM) attribute that consists of one or more values of a particular type (and, therefore, syntax).

OM class

In DCE X/Open Object Management, a static grouping of object management (OM) objects, within a specification, based on both their semantics and their form.

omit function

A system function that determines which records from a physical file are to be omitted from a logical file. Contrast with select function.

OnDemand

A licensed program that provides a set of archive features that allows you to store large volumes of data or retrieve selected data. This data can be on disk, can be optical, or can be on tape storage media. OnDemand provides computer output to laser disk and extended archiving functions for a variety of data types.

one-phase commit

A protocol that is used by a sync point manager to commit a transaction when only resources that are managed as a single entity are changed during the transaction. For example, one-phase commit would be used when a single database on a single system is changed. If either the system or communications fail during a one-phase commit, the sync point manager may not be informed of whether the changes were committed or rolled back. See also two-phase commit.

one-way hash function

A function that converts a message into a fixed string of digits.

online

Pertaining to the operation of a functional unit that is under the continual control of the system. Contrast with offline.

online information

Information on the display screen that explains displays, messages, and programs. See also textual data.

online test

A standardized set of tests for BSC. The tests are used to ensure the proper operation and correct working of the data link (lines and modems) portion of the total system.

OOB

See out-of-band (OOB).

open

The function that connects an object of type *FILE to a program for processing. Contrast with close.

open data path (ODP)

A control block created when a file is opened. An ODP contains information about the merged file attributes and information returned by input or output operations. The ODP only exists while the file is open.

open feedback area

In the C language, an area containing general information about the opened file, including its name, library, and file type. This area also contains specific information about the file type, which applicable fields depend on, and about each device and communications session defined for the file.

open mode

In COBOL, the condition of a file after the program processes an OPEN statement for that file and before the program processes a CLOSE statement for that file. The particular open mode is specified in the OPEN statement as either INPUT, OUTPUT, I-O, or EXTEND.

open system

In OSI, a data communications system that conforms to the standards and protocols.

open systems architecture

In OSI, a model that represents a network as a hierarchical structure of layers of functions. Each layer provides a set of functions that can be accessed and used by the layer above it.

Note:

The layers are independent in the sense that the implementation of a layer can be changed without affecting other layers.

The seven layers of the OSI architecture are the physical layer, data link layer, network layer, transport layer, session layer, presentation layer, and application layer. (Refer to each one for its specific definition.)

open systems interconnection architecture

Synonym for open systems architecture.

Open Systems Interconnection Network (OSINET)

A test network sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The goal of OSINET is to provide a common set of OSI protocols that allow all participants to communicate with each other for development and research, and for interoperability testing.

open systems interconnection (OSI)

(1) The interconnection of open systems in accordance with standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the exchange of information. (T)

(2) The set of standards defined by ISO that define how systems from different manufacturers communicate.

(3) The use of standardized procedures to enable the interconnection of data processing systems.

Note:

OSI architecture establishes a framework for coordinating the development of current and future standards for the interconnection of computer systems. Network functions are divided into seven layers. Each layer represents a group of related data processing and communications functions that can be carried out in a standard way to support different applications.

operand

(1) An entity on which an operation is performed. (I)

(2) In REXX, a term or expression that is operated on by an operator.

operating diskette

In finance communications, the diskette that contains the operating image. The operating diskette is used to load the operating image to the main storage of the 4701 Finance Communication Controller.

operating image

In finance communications, a collection of the 4701 Finance Communication Controller microcode, user system configuration, and user application programs.

operating system

A collection of system programs that control the overall operation of a computer system.

Operating System/2 (OS/2)

Pertaining to the IBM licensed program that can be used as the operating system for personal computers. The OS/2 licensed program can perform multiple tasks at the same time.

Operating System/400 (OS/400)

Pertaining to the IBM licensed program that can be used as the operating system for the AS/400 system.

operation

(1) The result of processing statements in a high-level language. See also keyword functions.

(2) In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), the task performed by a routine or procedure that is requested by a remote procedure call.

Operational Assistant

Pertaining to a part of the operating system that provides a set of menus and displays for end users to do commonly performed tasks, such as working with printer output, messages, and batch jobs.

operational descriptor

Information about an argument's size, shape, and type, which is passed by the system to the called procedure. This information is useful when the called procedure cannot precisely anticipate the form of the argument, for example, different types of strings.

operational sign

In COBOL, an algebraic sign associated with a numeric data item or a numeric constant that indicates whether the item is positive or negative.

operation code

(1) A code used to represent the operations of a computer.

(2) In RPG, a word or abbreviation, specified in the calculation specifications, that identifies an operation.

Operations Console

A feature of Client Access Express for Windows that provides the ability for an AS/400 console to be either a local or a remote personal computer. With AS/400 Operations Console, a system administrator, for example, can access the console from home. See also local controlling system and remote controlling system.

operations management

In System Manager, the discipline that manages the use of systems and resources to support enterprise information-processing work loads.

Operations Navigator

A no-charge feature of Client Access for Windows 95/NT that is bundled with the AS/400 operating system. AS/400 Operations Navigator provides a Microsoft Windows interface to common AS/400 management functions. Some of the common management functions include basic operations, TCP/IP configuration, job management, users and groups, database management, and Management Central.

operator

In the C, COBOL, and REXX languages, a token that specifies the type of action to be done on one or more terms. The four types of operators are concatenation, arithmetic, comparison, and logical.

operator precedence

In programming languages, an order relationship that defines the sequence of the application of operators with an expression. (I)

OPM

See original program model (OPM).

optical device

On AS/400, either a CD-ROM, a digital video disc (DVD), or both.

optical disc

(1) A disc that contains data readable by optical techniques. (T) (A)

(2) A disc with a plastic coating on which information, such as sound or visual images, is recorded digitally in the form of tiny pits and read using a laser.

optical disc cartridge

A plastic case that contains and protects the optical discs, permitting insertion into an optical drive.

optical drive

The part used to seek, read, and write data on an optical disc. An optical drive may reside in an optical library or as a stand-alone unit.

optical library

A disk storage device that contains one or more optical drives, optical disc cartridges, and a part (carriage and picker assembly) for moving optical discs between the cartridge storage slots and the optical drives.

optical scanner

A device that scans optically and usually creates an analog or digital signal.

optical volume

One side of a double-sided optical disc containing optically stored data.

optical volume set

Both sides of a double-sided volume optical disc containing optically stored data.

OptiConnect

(1) A feature of the OS/400 operating system that allows a user to connect multiple AS/400 systems by using SPD bus, high-speed link (HSL) loop, or virtual interpartition technologies.

(2) An AS/400 system area network (SAN) that allows high-speed links between systems in an AS/400 cluster. OptiConnect provides three hardware technologies (SPD OptiConnect, high-speed link (HSL) OptiConnect, and virtual OptiConnect) that can exist simultaneously on a single cluster node.

optimization level

The level of efficiency for processing a program, which is determined by the application programmer. When the code is optimized on the system, the system uses processing shortcuts to reduce the amount of system resources necessary to produce the same output. The processing shortcuts are then translated by the system into machine code, which allows the program to run more efficiently.

optimized dialogue transfer

In OSI, a quality-of-service value provided by the session layer that enables the concatenation of multiple application entity requests--such as data and control information requests--when transferring them. The concatenation increases data throughput.

option

For System Manager, see application option.

optional file

In COBOL, a file that is declared as being not necessarily present each time the program is started.

optional user facilities

Facilities defined within the CCITT Recommendation X.25 that a user of a packet-switching data network can request when establishing a virtual circuit. See also closed user group, reverse charging, throughput class negotiation.

optional word

In COBOL, a reserved word included in a specific format only to improve the readability of a COBOL statement or entry.

option button

In Client Access for Windows, a circle with associated text that represents a choice. When a user selects the choice, a dot appears within the circle. Within a group of related option buttons, only one button can be selected.

option indicator

A 1-character field that is passed with an output data record from a program to the system that is used to control the output function, such as controlling which fields in the record are displayed.

ORB

See object request broker (ORB).

ordinary identifier

In SQL, a letter, which may be followed by zero or more characters, each of which is a letter (a-z and A-Z), a symbol ($, @, and #), a number, or the underscore character, used to form a name.

ordinary token

In SQL, a numeric constant, an ordinary identifier, a host variable, or a keyword.

organization

(1) In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), the third field of a subject identifier.

(2) In DCE security, data that associates a named set of users who can be granted common access rights that are usually associated with administrative policy.

organizational unit

A unit within an organization, such as a company, that identifies a particular set of users.

origin address field (OAF)

In SNA, a field in a format identification 0 (or format identification 1) transmission header that contains the network address of the originating location. In a format identification 2 heading, the field is called origin address field prime (OAF'). Contrast with destination address field (DAF).

original database

In a remote journal network, the data files that reside on a primary system. During normal operations, applications make changes to the original database on the primary system.

original equipment manufacturer (OEM)

A manufacturer of equipment that can be marketed by another manufacturer.

original program model (OPM)

The set of functions for compiling source code and creating high-level language programs on the AS/400 system before the Integrated Language Environment (ILE) model was introduced.

originator address

A string of data representing the address of the originator of the message. The contents and format of the string are not defined by the mail server framework. The address type associated with the originator address is assumed to define the contents of the originator address field.

originator/recipient name (O/R name)

In OSI X.400, the name of the user (the originator and recipient of messages) and other attributes.

origin table

In DataPropagator Relational, a user table or external source table that is the initial source of data for copying.

O/R name

See originator/recipient name (O/R name).

orphaned call

In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a call running in an RPC server after the client that started the call fails or loses communication with the server.

orphaned mutex

A mutual exclusion lock that was held by a thread when that thread ended. This makes associated application data or thread resources inconsistent.

OR relationship

The specification of conditioning indicators such that the conditioned operation is done when any one of the conditions is met.

OS

See operating system.

OSI

See open systems interconnection (OSI).

OSI application

An application that communicates over an OSI network.

OSI Communications Subsystem

The IBM licensed program that provides communications support for open systems interconnection (OSI) on the AS/400 system.

OSI File Services

The IBM licensed program that provides open systems interconnection (OSI) file transfer, access, and management on the AS/400 system.

OSI Message Services

The IBM licensed program that provides message services (X.400) for open systems interconnection (OSI) on the AS/400 system.

OSINET

See Open Systems Interconnection Network (OSINET).

OSI network

A data communications network that exchanges data according to the OSI protocols.

OSI protocols

The set of rules for exchanging data defined by the ISO in accordance with the OSI reference model.

OSI reference model

The seven-layer basic reference model that ISO 7498 (CCITT X.200) uses to describe how open systems should act and interact. The three primary kinds of interactions described in that reference model are the interactions: (a) inside layers, (b) between layers, and (c) between open systems. (I)

OS/2

See Operating System/2 (OS/2).

OS/2 full screen

A selection on the OS/2 Main menu that gives the user an OS/2 session without the Presentation Manager graphic interface.

OS/400

See Operating System/400 (OS/400).

outbound DTE attributes

In OSI, a set of attributes defined by the local node to regulate communications with an adjacent node over an X.25 subnetwork. The attributes affect only the communications over the subnetwork between the local and adjacent nodes; they do not regulate end-to-end communications. Examples of outbound DTE attributes are closed user group, fast select, and reverse charging.

outline box

In VisualAge RPG, a rectangular box positioned around a group of controls to indicate that all the controls are related.

out-of-band (OOB)

Pertaining to user-specific data that has meaning only for connection-oriented (stream) sockets. AS/400 generally receives stream data in the same order that it was sent. OOB data is received independent of its position in the stream (independent of the order in which it was sent).

output

Information or data received from a computer that is shown on a display, printed on the printer, or stored on disk, diskette, or tape.

output field

A field specified in a display file, database file, printer file, or ICF file that is reserved for the information processed by a program. Contrast with input field.

output file

(1) In COBOL, a file that is opened in either the output mode or extend mode.

(2) In RPG, a database or device file that has been opened to allow records to be written. Contrast with input file.

output indicator

In RPG, an indicator used to define the conditions under which an output record or an output field in the output specifications is written. An output indicator must be previously defined before it is used in the output specifications.

output/input field

A field specified in a database, display, or ICF file that can be used for both the information supplied to the program and the information received from the program during processing. See also input field and output field.

output mode

In COBOL, the state of a file after running an OPEN statement, with the OUTPUT or EXTEND phrase specified for that file, and before running a CLOSE statement, without the REEL or UNIT phrase specified for that file.

output PIN-protection key

In Cryptographic Support, a key encrypting key used to encrypt a PIN before it is sent to another location.

output procedure

In COBOL, a set of statements to which control is given during the running of a SORT statement after the sort function is completed, or during the running of a MERGE statement after the merge function reaches a point at which it can select the next record in merged order when requested.

output queue

An object that contains a list of spooled files to be written to an output device, such as a printer or a diskette. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *OUTQ.

output specifications

In RPG, the means by which the programmer describes the output records and their fields or adds RPG functions to an externally described output file.

output stream

In RJE, data received from the host system to the attached devices (for example, control characters, data files, and messages). Contrast with input stream.

overcommitment ratio (OCR)

The ratio of the number of active users and the amount of main storage they use to the size of the interactive main storage pool.

overflow

(1) The condition that occurs when the last line specified as the overflow line to be printed on a page has been passed.

(2) In COBOL, a condition that occurs when a portion of the result of an operation exceeds the capacity of the intended unit of storage.

overflow indicator

In RPG, an indicator that signals when the overflow line on a page has been printed or passed. The indicator (OV and OA through OF) can be used to specify which lines are to be printed on the next page.

overhead

The operating system activity required to perform a task.

overlapping fields

Fields in the same display or printer record that occupy the same positions on the display or page. Option indicators can be used to select which of the overlapping fields is to be displayed or printed.

overlay

(1) To write over (and therefore destroy) an existing file.

(2) A program segment that is loaded into main storage and replaces all or part of a previously loaded program segment.

(3) For AFP support, see electronic overlay.

(4) In Performance Tools, a graph that is placed on top of another graph so that a user can view both graphs at the same time.

overlay utility

In AFP Utilities, an interactive tool that allows the user to create an overlay.

override

(1) To specify attributes at run time that change the attributes specified in the file description or in the program.

(2) The attributes specified at run time that change the attributes specified in the file description or in the program.

(3) In object-oriented programming, to define a new class behavior by changing a method inherited from a parent class.

overrun

The loss of data because a receiving device is unable to accept data at the rate it is transmitted.

overstrike

Pertaining to a character or symbol that occupies the same space as another character or symbol.

OV/400

See OfficeVision.

owner

The user who creates an object (or is named the owner of an object).

owner authority

The authority that the object's owner has to the object. Contrast with primary group authority, private authority, and public authority.

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