Chapter 20. DITTO

Data Interfile Transfer, Testing, and Operations Utility (DITTO) is IBM′s best known storage media and data maintenance utility program for the OS/390, MVS, VSE, and VM environments.

DITTO is a key resource for data processing professionals due to many versatile functions working with tapes, disks, VTOCs and catalogs, VSAM data, VSE library members, sequential data sets and files, MVS Object Access Method (OAM) objects, and card images.

DITTO/ESA introduced an all in one User′s Guide to let users of OS/390, MVS/ESA, VSE/ESA, and VM/ESA compare the functions and parameters supported in each one of these S/390 environments.

DITTO/ESA Release 2 is the latest release of the well known DITTO family of products. It supersedes DITTO/ESA Release 1 (which superseded MVS/DITTO Version 2.1, the DITTO 3.2 Productivity Features for VSE and VM, and DITTO for VSE and VM 3.2 base product).

It provides a consistent package of functions for the MVS, VSE, and VM user with a common user interface supporting the following operating system environments:

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OS/390

MVS/ESA

VSE/ESA

VM/ESA

The following topics will be discussed:

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20.1, Compatibility with Previous Releases of DITTO

20.2, DITTO Functions that are No Longer Supported

20.3, DITTO Functions that are Not Recommended

20.4, DITTO Function Code Synonyms

20.5, Batch Keywords that are No Longer Supported

20.6, Batch Keywords that are Not Recommended

20.7, DITTO/ESA Security

20.1 Compatibility with Previous Releases of DITTO

This section describes the differences between DITTO/ESA and previous versions of DITTO:

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MVS/DITTO Version 2 Release 1 (Program Number 5695-100)

DITTO Version 3 Release 2 for VSE and VM (Program Number 5688-052)

DITTO Version 3 Release 2 Productivity Features for VSE and VM

Under VSE and CMS, the DVT and VDL functions have been changed. Previously, an asterisk (*) within a file ID represented any number of characters. Now, one asterisk represents any number of characters within a qualifier and a

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IBM OS/390 manual Compatibility with Previous Releases of Ditto, 381, Mvs/Esa Vse/Esa Vm/Esa
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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.
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