CA Faver Modernization Guide

CA Faver is a high-speed backup and restore utility specifically designed for VSAM datasets on z/OS and zVSE/VSEn platforms. It focuses on efficient data transfer and includes features for automatic IDCAMS statement generation to simplify dataset recreation after restoration.

While both products handle VSAM data, CA Faver specializes in high-speed backup and restore, often outperforming standard IDCAMS utilities in terms of speed and resource utilization. It also automates IDCAMS statement generation, reducing manual effort.

CA Faver primarily uses its own command-line interface (CLI) for operation. Configuration files are used to define parameters for backup and restore jobs, including dataset names, storage attributes, and IDCAMS generation options.

Common operations include backing up VSAM datasets (using a command like `FAVER BACKUP`), restoring VSAM datasets (`FAVER RESTORE`), and generating IDCAMS control statements for dataset recreation (`FAVER IDCAMS`).

A basic backup operation uses the syntax: `FAVER BACKUP DATASET(input.dataset.name) OUTDATASET(output.backup.name)`. A restore operation uses: `FAVER RESTORE DATASET(output.backup.name) OUTDATASET(target.dataset.name)`.

CA Faver does not typically expose APIs like REST or SOAP. Integration is usually achieved through batch jobs and JCL, invoking the FAVER commands directly. Some sites might develop custom REXX scripts to automate tasks.

The main components include the FAVER executable itself, configuration files defining job parameters, and the IDCAMS utility (invoked for dataset creation).

CA Faver reduces the time required for VSAM dataset backup and restore, minimizing downtime. The automatic IDCAMS generation feature simplifies dataset recreation, reducing manual effort and potential errors.

By providing faster backup and restore capabilities, CA Faver helps organizations meet their recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) for critical VSAM datasets.

CA Faver leverages the security features of the z/OS and zVSE/VSEn operating systems. Access to datasets and the ability to execute FAVER commands are controlled through standard RACF or similar security systems.

CA Faver integrates with existing z/OS security systems like RACF for authentication and authorization. It does not implement its own user management system.

CA Faver relies on the underlying operating system's access control mechanisms (e.g., RACF ACLs on z/OS) to control access to datasets and the FAVER utility itself.

CA Faver provides logging capabilities to track backup and restore operations. These logs can be used for auditing and troubleshooting. The logs typically record dataset names, timestamps, and completion status.

Administration is primarily performed through the command-line interface (CLI) and configuration files. There is no dedicated GUI or web console.

Key configuration parameters include dataset names for backup and restore operations, storage attributes for restored datasets, and options for IDCAMS statement generation.