Chapter 21. VSAM Backup/Restore

21.1 VSAM Backup/Restore

The following describes the methods and utilities used in OS/390 as compared to VSE VSAM Backup/Restore procedures.

21.1.1 OS/390 VSAM Backup/Restore

There are several tools that can be used in an OS/390 system to back up and restore VSAM files. Considerations for which tool you may want to use can be found in Chapter 4 of DFSMS/MVS Using Data Sets, SC26-4922. A brief description of these tools follows:

∙DFSMSdfp

DFSMSdfp provides the IDCAMS commands, EXPORT/IMPORT, for backup and restore of VSAM files. These commands are documented in the DFSMS/MVS Access Methods Services for ICF SC26-4906.

∙DFSMShsm

DFSMShsm can be used to back up and restore VSAM files. For more information see DFSMShsm Managing Your Own Data. In addition, backup of data can be done automatically with DFSMShsm in a non-SMS or SMS environment.

∙DFSMSdss

DFSMSdss can be used for VSAM backup/restore. See the manual DFSMSdss Storage Administration Reference, SC26-4929, for command syntax as well as hints and tips.

∙RVA/SnapShot V1R2

With RVA and SnapShot V1R2, you can SNAP a VSAM data set to disk and offload it to tape at a later time.

21.1.2VSE/VSAM Backup/Restore

You can use the VSE/VSAM Backup/Restore feature to back up VSE/VSAM files to magnetic tape or disk devices, and restore the files again to VSE/VSAM data sets. You can use the two IDCAMS commands BACKUP and RESTORE.

Use this feature to write and read data sets as follows:

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∙

Copy VSAM disk files to magnetic tape or disk (BACKUP).

Copy from magnetic tape or disk to VSAM disk files (RESTORE).

The operations listed below can be done for the following VSE/VSAM objects:

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∙

∙

∙

∙

∙

KSDS files ESDS files RRDS files VRDS files Alternate indexes

SAM ESDS files in CI format

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1998

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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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