Synchronizing Scratch Tapes › Scratch Tape Synchronization

Scratch Tape Synchronization

As Virtual Volumes are expired, CA Vtape must be notified for the following actions to be taken:

• Changing the status of the Virtual Volumes in the Global VCAT.
• Renaming of the Virtual Volume files on the Linux Server. The program deletes the renamed files after three days, by default.

In general, notification is performed by executing a batch Scratch Synchronization Job specific to the installed Tape Management System. If other scratch synchronization processes are available, they are discussed in the section specific to the installed Tape Management System.

The Scratch Synchronization Job should be scheduled to run after the normal Tape Management System expiration cycle has completed.

Because the Global VCAT is shared, run the Scratch Synchronization Job only once in a CA Vtape Complex.

Important! When multiple CA Vtape Complexes are installed, execute all appropriate Scratch Synchronization Job steps. Execute the steps in the order provided in the job and only once for each Complex. Otherwise, you can deplete available scratch tapes or scratch active Virtual Volumes, causing a data loss.

The following sections document the scratch synchronization process and other requirements for specific Tape Management Systems. Review the section for your Tape Management System and take the required actions.