Introduction › Defining Your Tape Library to CA TLMS

Defining Your Tape Library to CA TLMS

The primary database for CA TLMS is the Volume Master File. The VMF is used to record and maintain tape data set information for all volumes under CA TLMS control. Not only are volume and retention information recorded, but historical data such as certification, cleaning and temporary read/write errors.

During CA TLMS installation, the VMF can be constructed and supplied with the information on your current tape data sets in several different ways:

• The VMF is initialized using program TLMSVMFU and loaded with any available information on the tape data sets currently active in the environment.
• Volume information can be retrieved from other sources, such as SMF records or the system catalog, and converted to the proper format.
• A user-supplied utility can also be used to add machine readable information.
• If you plan to use the Distributed Tape Support feature, you must also define the volume serial numbers in use on the distributed systems you plan to manage. These volumes must be added to the VMF and defined as "AGENT" tapes. The UPV command can be used to mark the volumes as "AGENT" tapes.

After installation, the VMF is dynamically updated as you use tapes while CA TLMS is active, maintaining current volume and data set information. The VMF is also updated automatically on a daily basis when the Tape Retention System (TRS) is run, reflecting any changes in tape movement and scratch status. You can update the VMF manually using either the online screens or the commands.

The information in the VMF can be printed on reports or displayed online.

More information:

Volume Master File Inquiry and Update

Using the Online Interface

Running the Tape Retention System