Orientation for Utilities, IEBxxx or IEHxxx, 455

Chapter 29. Orientation for Utilities

29.1 IEBxxx or IEHxxx

There are many utilities in OS/390 provided by DFSMS/MVS to assist you in organizing and maintaining data (most of them start with ²IEB² or ²IEH²). These are simple programs which perform commonly needed functions. See ²Guide to Utility Program Functions² in Chapter 1 of DFSMS/MVS Utilities, SC26-4926.

29.2 IEBCOPY

IEBCOPY is a utility program used to make copies of, and to maintain, partitioned data sets. In addition to the copy function, IEBCOPY performs the following maintenance operations:

∙

Compression - the members of a partitioned data set are moved together (compressed) to eliminate the unused space that results from changing existing members.

Merge - two or more partitioned data sets are merged into a third data set.

Information on IEBCOPY is provided in DFSMS/MVS Utilities, SC26-4926.

29.3 IDCAMS

IDCAMS (Access Method Services) is a utility program that is used to manipulate all access methods except partitioned. IDCAMS is recommended for use with SMS managed data sets. This utility reads control statements and performs data set functions such as creation, deletion, cataloging, and uncataloging. In addition, IDCAMS performs the backup and restore functions for VSAM data sets. Information on IDCAMS is provided in the following publications:

∙

DFSMS/MVS Access Methods Services for ICF SC26-4906

Describes IDCAMS commands for using integrated catalog facility catalogs. DFSMS/MVS Access Method Services for VSAM, SC26-4905

Describes IDCAMS commands for using VSAM catalogs. DFSMS/MVS Summary of Access Method Services for ICF, SX26-3807.

Provides a summary of IDCAMS commands for integrated catalog facility catalogs.

29.4 IEBGENER

The main use of this utility is for moving data. You can use IEBGENER to:

∙

Create a backup copy of a sequential data set, or a member of a partitioned data set or PDSE.

Produce a partitioned data set or PDSE, or a member of a partitioned data set or PDSE, from a sequential data set.

Expand an existing partitioned data set or PDSE by creating partitioned members and merging them into the existing data set.

Manipulate data sets containing double-byte character set data.

Print sequential data sets or members of partitioned data sets or PDSEs.

455 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.

IBM OS/390 manual Orientation for Utilities, IEBxxx or IEHxxx, 455

Models: OS/390