Chapter 24. VSE/Fast Copy and OS/390 DFSMSdss

The following briefly describes VSE/Fast Copy and the comparable OS/390 component, DFSMSdss.

24.1 VSE/Fast Copy (Online and Stand-Alone)

In VSE/ESA Version 1, VSE/Fast Copy runs stand-alone only. The on-line functions of VSE/Fast Copy have been incorporated into the program ²VSE/Fast Copy Data Set (VSE/Fast Copy).² In VSE/ESA Version 2, VSE/Fast Copy (Online and Stand-Alone), was incorporated into the base code, VSE Central Functions. For information on VSE/Fast Copy see the IBM VSE/ESA System Utilities.

VSE/Fast Copy operates on volume-specific entities (IPL record, volume label, VTOC) and the set of files stored on the volume, taking the necessary information from the VTOC. A special Volume function is included for exceptional situations when the VTOC is no longer valid; this function processes an entire volume physically rather than being VTOC-driven (see ²Volume Functions² in IBM VSE/ESA System Utilities).

With VSE/Fast Copy you can either move data directly from one disk to another or you may write it on intermediate tape to be restored later. The tape may either be unlabeled or have standard labels. When you restore the tape to disk you must also give the label option specified at the time of the tape creation. Alternate tape drives are supported.

VSE/Fast Copy stand-alone program can restore volume dumps, complete or partial, that were produced by the VSE/Fast Copy Data Set online program. To decrease the number of tapes, the VSE/Fast Copy dump and the stand-alone utilities may be on the same tape as the VSE/Fast Copy tape.

For disk volume identification, VSE/Fast Copy provides the following options:

∙The volume identification of the input and/or output disk volume may be checked against the value specified in the utility control statement. This option checks whether you have mounted the correct disk pack. If not, you may proceed with the mounted disk pack, replace disk packs, or cancel the job.

∙The volume identification written on an output disk volume may be:

-copied from the original input disk

-changed as specified in the utility control statement.

© 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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