1. OVERVIEW › 1.1 TLM Component › 1.1.1 Capabilities

1.1.1 Capabilities

The TLM component provides data integration and reporting
capabilities that aid in the analysis and reporting of tape
library managed volumes and data sets in these areas:

o  Tape Data Set Management

   The TLM component files provide the basis for tape data
   set analysis.  For example, frequency of access, cartridge
   utilization, and a variety of other access and usage
   patterns can be analyzed to determine if tape is the
   appropriate storage medium.

o  Cost Accounting

   The TLM component data set file supports chargeback for
   tape data set media occupancy.  An account routine exit is
   provided for customized assignment of site-specific
   account codes to individual tape data sets.  A standard
   interface to the CA MICS Accounting and Chargeback Option
   permits tape data set accounting using megabyte/hours as
   the basic chargeback resource element.

o  Capacity Planning

   The TLM component database files can be used to analyze
   scratch tape volume availability, percent cartridge
   utilization, and other volume and data set related metrics
   that can serve as the basis for tape library capacity
   management.

o  Performance Management

   Many of the data elements captured in the TLM component
   files contain values that are important to performance
   management.  For example, tape mount duration is a
   critical component of job turnaround time. Therefore,
   small, frequently used data sets are easier to access from
   DASD than from tape.

o  Management Reporting and Service Policy Creation

   Information extracted directly from the TLM component
   database files can be grouped and summarized to create
   useful tape library management-level reports.  Reports or
   one-page management summaries that compare actual
   performance against proposed service level objectives
   allow the creation of policies that are rational and
   achievable.  Once policies are established, reports can be
   created to track actual performance against objectives.

o  Security

   Information in the database supports tracking and
   reporting on tape data set encryption status, necessary to
   ensure compliance with policies that keep critical data
   safe.  Tape volume categorization can be used to ensure
   that specific data sets reside on volume groups used for
   off-site storage and disaster planning.

For more information on the TLM component files, see Chapter
2, Usage Guidelines.