On July 17, 2000, the Virtual Storage Manager (VSM) will be used for North system user-owned tapes. Beginning on this date, all new North data set allocations to the unitname CTAPE will generate tapes in the VSM. Users do not need to change any JCL. (See the article on readying tape data earlier in this issue, as well as the article on the VSM in the March issue of Interface, number 213.)

VSM has been used on a limited basis for internal CIT tapes since March. New tape allocations for internal CIT batch jobs are successfully accessing the VSM, and system tapes are being copied into the VSM. Performance and usage is monitored on a daily basis and, since no operator intervention is required, the response is extremely quick.

On August 1, 2000, CIT will begin copying the remaining North tape library into the VSM on an account-by-account basis. With few exceptions, customer tape data will reside in this environment. To distinguish them, VSM tapes will have volsers of 500000 or greater.

Tapes with cataloged data sets names will be re-cataloged automatically when they move to the VSM. Thereafter, when one references the data set name, the new tape media will be accessed automatically. Information on volsers for non-cataloged tape data sets may be obtained through ISPF Option P.16 or by executing the TAPEINV CLIST.

Change in Tape Removal Policy

Once tapes are copied to the VSM, they can no longer be checked out from the North tape library. Tapes in the VSM (that is, tapes that have volume serial numbers greater than 499999) will have to be copied to standard 3480 tape cartridges in order to be physically removed. Users may provide their own 3480 cartridges or may purchase them from CIT.

As more and more tape data is copied into the VSM, users should experience dramatic improvements in tape performance. As July approaches, additional information will be available on the North system Web page, http://silkad.nih.gov.

If you have questions about the VSM or concerns about the migration to this new media, please call TASC and ask to speak to a CIT person about virtual tapes.

Interface 214 (June 23, 2000)