FATSCOPY is an easy-to-use, high-performance z/OS tape copy, consolidation, migration and conversion utility that can automate the process of copying and re-cataloging tape-based data sets.
FATSCOPY is particularly useful for the conversion of tape data sets from one media type to another, including Tape-to-VTS, VTS-to-Tape and VTS-to-VTS. It can be used for copying data between tape systems of the same hardware vendor, or between different vendors. It supports “tape-based” and “tape-less” systems, including –
- 3490/3590 Tape
- EMC DLm
- IBM TS7700
- Oracle StorageTek VSM
- Luminex MVT
- Hitachi VTF
Tape Stacking
FATSCOPY can automate the copying and stacking of tapes by periodically locating inefficient tape data sets and stacking them onto fewer tape volumes. It can stack your tape datasets on high-capacity volumes, periodically moving them from multiple tapes and consolidating (and re-cataloging) them onto fewer tapes.
Modes of Operation
FATSCOPY offers two main modes of operation. The “volume level” selection provides for the copying of tape datasets by specific or generic tape volsers, while the “dataset level” selection allows you to copy datasets by specific or generic dataset names, located via the z/OS catalog.
Simulation
FATSCOPY includes a simulation feature that can show which datasets will be moved based on your selection criteria. It provides a report showing how the selected datasets would be grouped on the output volume(s), the expiration date that will be assigned, the number of compressed and uncompressed output tapes that would be required, and a list of the input tapes that would be requested during the copy process
Interaction with Tape Management
FATSCOPY includes interfaces to IBM’s DFSMSrmm and Computer Associates’ CA-1 and TLMS, which allow it to gain access to information about the tape volumes and data sets that it is copying. Information recorded in the Tape Management System can be propagated to the Tape Management records of the output data sets. The input tapes can be optionally returned to scratch status.
Flexible Licensing
Whether you have long-term management requirements or short-term migration needs, FATSCOPY can be licensed under a range of cost-effective options, catering for both long-term usage and short-term projects.