DFSMS FIT is documented in the following IBM International Technical Support Organization publications (Redbooks):

Get DFSMS FIT: Fast Implementation Techniques, SG24-2568

DFSMS FIT: Fast Implementation Techniques Process Guide, SG24-4478

DFSMS FIT: Fast Implementation Techniques Installation Examples, SG24-2569

In conjunction with DFSMS FIT, you can use NaviQuest. NaviQuest is a component of DFSMSdfp and is an option from the ISMF panels. With NaviQuest you can:

Automatically test your DFSMS configuration Automatically create test cases Automatically test your ACS routines

Perform storage reporting, through ISMF and with DCOLLECT and VMA data Print ISMF lists

Run ISMF functions in batch mode, using the REXX EXECs provided

For more information on NaviQuest, please refer to the NaviQuest Users Guide, SC26-7194.

There are DFSMS education courses available to learn more about DFSMS and how it can be implemented. To find information concerning IBM Education and Trainings storage systems curricula for your area, contact your IBM Representative or the IBM E&T Web site at:

http://www.training.ibm.com/ibmedu/roadmaps/mainframe/storsys/

In addition, many users have found the ADSTAR Distributed Storage Manager (ADSM) to be of great value when LAN attached workstations are part of your overall system solution.

DFSMS is a standard part of your OS/390 system. Use its facilities to ease your migration and subsequent operations.

5.4 Tape Similarities and Differences

5.4.1 Volume Interchangeability

Tape label conventions, requirements, and handling techniques differ between VSE and OS/390 systems. However, OS/390 should be able to read and process all tapes that have been created on a VSE system. Similarly, VSE systems should be able to read tape volumes created by OS/390 systems. The rest of this chapter explains tape label differences and migration considerations.

5.4.2 Standard Labels

Tapes with standard labels written by VSE can be read by OS/390. Standard labels are 80-character records recorded in EBCDIC and odd parity on 9-track tape, BCD and even parity with translation, on 7-track tape. The first four characters always identify the labels.

Chapter 5. Disk and Tape Storage Considerations 103

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IBM OS/390 manual Tape Similarities and Differences Volume Interchangeability, Standard Labels

OS/390 specifications

IBM OS/390, a versatile operating system, was a cornerstone in enterprise environments and played a pivotal role in mainframe computing. Released in the mid-1990s, OS/390 combined the strengths of IBM's MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) with new features and enhancements, targeting scalability, reliability, and performance in demanding business applications.

One of the key features of OS/390 was its robust support for multiple users and processes. The system allowed thousands of concurrent users to access applications and data, ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime—a critical requirement for many large organizations. This scalability was supported through various enhancements in memory management and processor scheduling, enabling optimal resource allocation across diverse workloads.

OS/390 was known for its superior workload management capabilities. The Workload Manager (WLM) component allowed administrators to define service policies, specifying how system resources would be allocated according to the priority of tasks. This ensured that critical business processes received the necessary resources while less critical tasks were managed more flexibly.

Another significant characteristic of OS/390 was its commitment to security. The operating system provided comprehensive security features, including user authentication, data encryption, and auditing capabilities. This focus on security was vital for organizations handling sensitive data, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding against unauthorized access.

OS/390 also supported advanced technologies that facilitated integration and development. The system included features like the IBM CICS (Customer Information Control System) for transaction processing and IMS (Information Management System) for database management. These technologies allowed organizations to build robust, high-performance applications tailored to specific business needs.

The ease of network integration was another strength of OS/390. With the advent of the Internet and global connectivity, OS/390 systems could easily interface with various network protocols, enabling businesses to operate in a connected world. This inclusion paved the way for many organizations to expand their capabilities and offer new services, driving digital transformation.

In conclusion, IBM OS/390 represented a significant advancement in mainframe technology, combining scalability, security, and robust workload management. Its rich feature set and support for critical enterprise applications solidified its role as a vital component of many organizations' IT infrastructures, ensuring they could meet their operational challenges head-on while supporting future growth. As technology continues to evolve, the legacy of OS/390 remains influential in the realm of computing.