Mainframe storage for MVS, OS/390...
tape is cheaper than disk, if the tape is fully utilized!

We know what you know... converting native tape files to DFHSM managed DASD or a Virtual Tape Subsystem (VTS) is fraught with potential problems:

• Stacking files on tape is best managed automatically, by systems such as DFHSM or VTS, but with inappropriate workload management, thrashing, buffer/DASD shortage or under utilization, and untimely migrations/recalls can cause excessive overhead and tape usage.
• Trying to identify the best method for managing tape data sets on a DASD pool or VTS in the most efficient manner, that minimizes the time a data set remains on DASD or the number of recalls, can easily bog oneself down in analysis of large amounts of complex data.
• Load balancing multiple VTS system can present a challenge if you cannot simulate the impact of change to each systems workload.
• However, identifying filter lists that categorize files by use requirements will provide a means to place data in an appropriate workload category and save significant time and resources.

Building the filter lists to analyze tape data is time consuming and difficult without a tool like TD History.

TD History performs simulations to build filter lists that identify categories of data that should be managed on: DASD with DFHSM, or in a VTS on MVS. The system also provides monitoring and capacity planning capabilities for native tape and VTS. From a Windows desktop it provides:

• a filter list automatically generated for all tape data sets that is used to analyze and categorize data.
• an analysis system to categorize filter entries by data set size and reuse requirements. Filter entries are then output to specific filter lists based on their requirements. These specific filter lists can be used to build ACS routines to manage tape.
• a simulation system to test and fine-tune workload specific filter lists.
• a reporting system to display statistics in a drill down, high level to detail, format
• an export capability to use your data in Excel , Power Point , Lotus , or equivalent products

As you review the capabilities and methods of TD History, consider the importance of saving time by program generation of filter lists for workload categories that are used to perform TMM or optimize VTS systems.