No, memory is not failing you - it just doesn't work that way anymore.  :-/

The youngsters on the list (are there any left?) might not believe it, but it was once possible to use the "JOB" command to test batch jobs from a CRT, and on more than one occasion I have used a Hollerith card reader attached to a Series II (MPE-C anyone?) to read in a mpe job-stream file via a deck of 'IBM' cards, and a 'DATA' deck the same way, for use as input spooled data.  Having done that brings a whole new meaning to the terms: 'JOB' Card and 'DATA' Deck.

If I recall correctly,interactive use of the 'JOB' command went by the wayside with the introduction of the 32bit 3000's (MPE-XL and later).  And the MPE Help Catalog (:HELP DATA) says that you can't use 'DATA' from $stdin.  Don't know if that's a change, or just a restriction to just input spoolable devices and/or files.

Now, when you try to use the 'DATA' or 'JOB' command from a networked workstation - you get these errors:

<< snip >>
:data testjob,mgr.cmis,pub;testdata
Command not allowed in session mode. (CIERR 977)
:
<< snip >>

or:

<< snip >>
:job testjob,mgr.acct,pub
Command not allowed in session mode. (CIERR 977)
:bye
CPU=1. Connect=88. FRI, JUL 22, 2011,  4:40 PM.


<Your 'VT-MGR' connection has terminated>

MPE XL:job testjob,mgr.acct,pub
Expected a HELLO command. (CIERR 6057)
MPE XL:
<< snip >>

Thanks for reminding me how long a span of technology this system has survived!

Bonus Question:  Is anybody still using input spooled 'DATA' files as a way to 'feed' data to their batch jobs?

Brian Edminster
Applied Technologies, Inc
"Robust Solutions and Integration,
   for Today, and Tomorrow".

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