2. USAGE GUIDELINES › 2.1 Methods of Using the Data

2.1 Methods of Using the Data

There are a variety of ways you can access and use the data
maintained in the Space Collector information areas. The
approach you choose is usually based on several factors:

    o    The questions you have about your data and the form
         of answer you need.

    o    The availability of computed elements already in
         the database that can answer your question without
         much data analysis

    o    Your experience level with SAS

    o    The availability of Management Support Applications
         which provide additional features and reports about
         the data in CA MICS without any programming
         requirements.

In the following sections, a brief survey of the various
methods of using the Space Collector information areas is
presented.  No one approach is best for all applications.
There are times when you will want to query the CA MICS
database directly by coding your request in SAS directly.
Other challenges such as planning a migration to DFSMS or
implementing DASD charges as part of an accounting project
may be faced with greater assurance by using proven
techniques and code provided by various Management Support
Applications.

    1 - Using SAS for Retrieval and Reporting
    2 - Overview of the CA MICS Information Center Facility
    3 - Major Features of MICF