Database Copier for IMS Modernization Guide

Database Copier for IMS is a utility designed to create image copies of IMS databases. It supports online, offline, and incremental copies, providing flexibility in backup strategies.

This is a utility designed to enhance database backup and recovery processes within an IMS environment.

Organizations that rely on IMS databases for critical business functions and require efficient backup and recovery solutions commonly use Database Copier for IMS. These organizations are often in industries such as banking, insurance, and healthcare.

A company should consider using Database Copier for IMS when they need a high-speed solution for creating image copies of their IMS databases, especially if they require online, offline, and incremental copy capabilities.

Alternatives include IMS High Performance Image Copy, IMS Recovery Solution Pack, and other similar utilities designed for IMS database backup and recovery.

Database Copier for IMS runs on the z/OS platform and is dependent on the IMS subsystem. It requires access to the IMS control region and associated datasets.

Yes, Database Copier for IMS runs in an LPAR under z/OS. It leverages z/OS system services for data access and storage management.

The product uses configuration files to define parameters such as dataset names, copy types, and processing options. These files are typically maintained as sequential datasets or members of a partitioned dataset (PDS).

The primary components include the control program, data access routines, and logging facilities. These components work together to read IMS database data and write it to the image copy datasets.

Database Copier for IMS helps organizations maintain data availability and integrity by providing a fast and reliable way to create backups of their IMS databases. This reduces the risk of data loss and minimizes downtime in the event of a system failure.

Without Database Copier for IMS, organizations would need to rely on slower, less efficient methods for creating image copies, potentially increasing the risk of data loss and extending recovery times.

The product integrates with existing enterprise ecosystems through standard z/OS interfaces and can be incorporated into automated job scheduling systems.

Database Copier for IMS leverages z/OS security features, such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret, to control access to IMS datasets and ensure that only authorized users can initiate copy operations.

The product supports standard z/OS audit logging, providing a record of all copy operations, including the user ID, timestamp, and datasets involved. This information can be used for security monitoring and compliance reporting.

Access to the product's functions is typically controlled through RACF or similar security systems, using an access control list (ACL) model to define which users or groups have permission to execute specific commands or access certain datasets.

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring the execution of copy jobs, managing storage space for image copy datasets, and ensuring that the product is properly configured and maintained.

The product provides administrative interfaces through standard z/OS consoles and batch jobs. Configuration parameters are typically set through control cards or configuration datasets.

Implementation challenges may include ensuring compatibility with the existing IMS environment, properly configuring security settings, and managing the storage requirements for image copy datasets.