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Screen-shot 1

Screen-shot 2

Screen shot 2a

Simulations are performed using user specified input parameters (see screen-shot 1) on a months worth of tape data. Data is first analyzed by user specified data set size. This simulation provides the number of data sets and space for: input, output, mod, recalled data sets and provides an overview of data processed.

The small data sets identified by data set size are then simulated on a logical queue to identify requirements for supporting the data on disk or Virtual Tape.

The disk simulation permits the user to specify retention days for new, recalled and reused data sets (see screen-shot 2). The resulting output identifies the space, data migration and recalls required for supporting the data on disk. When combined with the ability to identify filter use characteristics based on user or system generated data set filters; it is possible to quickly group related filters into categories that can be managed by SMS constructs, other storage management products, or locally developed procedures. The simulation data are presented in a manner that permits a user to determine the optimum time a data set or filter list entry should remain on a storage pool, and identify if it is a candidate for migration to HSM ML1/ML2 or another management method.

The VTS simulation permits the user to specify the size of the TVC (see screen-shot 2a). The resulting output identifies the peak period for the TVC, amount of storage require, and data reclaimed and recalled in the TVC. The size of the TVC may be specified to identify the optimum required to minimize restaging of data from tape.

The tape size simulation divides data into small, medium, and large categories (see screen-shot 3) based on data set size and specific criteria, e.g. HLQ, multi data set volumes, etc. Statistics are provided for the number of data sets, number of volumes, and size. For each category: input, output, and total data statistics are provided.

Screen-shot 3

Filter use statistics are provided for the number of data sets in the logical disk queue, recalls, deletes, days to first use and time on the queue; based on the current user provided management criteria. This data is used when generating filter lists to categorize entries by size and use characteristics.

The recommended method for running simulations is to use program generated filter lists. The filter use statistics generated are used by the system to categorize filter entries and build filter lists for each category of data. Creating generated filter lists can be by: total system, high-level qualifiers, or UCB's. In addition, the system can be customized to meet most special user simulation requirements.