industrial-strength media and backup management for openvms … · 2004. 3. 11. · developed for...

www.SoftwarePartners.com SOFTWARE PARTNERS, INC. 978-887-6409 Since 1983

TAPESYS

Industrial-Strength Media and Backup Management

for OpenVMS Product Description

2 SOFTWARE PARTNERS, INC. www.SoftwarePartners.com

TAPESYS An Introduction for Users and Operators Table Of Contents Introduction 2 Meet TAPESYS

3 TAPESYS, The Experienced Media Manager

User Guide 4 User Choices

5 Backup Screen 6 Backup Screen Fields 7 Restore Screen 8 User Commands 9 Qualifiers for User Commands

Operator Guide 10 Operator Choices 11 Media Manager Activity Menu Screen 12 Maintenance Screen 13 Master File Access Screen 14 Report Menu 15 Standby-Archiving Screen 16 Vault Management Screen 17 Tape Manager Report Menu 18 Additional Features 19 Tape Operator Commands 20 Tape Life Cycle

1-877-TAPESYS SOFTWARE PARTNERS, INC. 3

Are you living and managing by crisis in the midst of a computer explosion? Your users and their needs multiply exponentially, while your compute support services, space and staff remain constant. Perhaps you are anticipating a system upgrade in the future and are worried about your media library. Will you be able to continue maintaining and controlling your magnetic media manually? Or maybe you are just tired of depending on good fortune to keep your records and backups secure from hackers and head crashes. Most managers know from personal experience that as soon as you expand your computer capacity, your extra margin will be filled. The problems of record safety and expensive disk space don’t go away. The system operators have a hard time keeping up with the demands on their time, and sometimes the routine operations, like incremental and full backups, are delayed. Users are by nature reluctant to offload their files onto tape or other media because they’re not sure when – or even if – they can get the back again. As a consequence, the system stays clogged with archival material. And what happens when an operator is out sick, or leaves, or takes a vacation and someone else has to fill in? And what happens when your VMS operators have been redeployed, for the most part, to other platforms, leaving the VAXen and Alphas to ‘run on their own’? What you need is a media and tape manager.

Meet TAPESYS. TAPESYS is accurate, complete and on time. Developed for the OpenVMS environment, it is also friendly, efficient, easy to install and use. Since it was introduced in 1983, TAPESYS has come to be used at hundreds of sites around the world, and today has over 10,000,000 tapes under its management. The program control files are designed to be customized, so you have a lot of flexibility to set site-specific standards that will be implemented consistently. Developed by the people at Software Partners, TAPESYS automates backup from disk to tape; maintains the entire media library; controls access to files on tape or other removable media; mediates access to ALL tapes, whether in the system or not; and simplifies user-requested backups and restores for everyone. And TAPESYS keeps track of all transactions to and from storage on a master file so that there is always an audit trail. TAPESYS never forgets, never gets sick, never asks for a raise, and never complains. TAPESYS doesn’t do all these things and more: TAPESYS doesn’t let unauthorized users access inappropriate files; it doesn’t let users keep unused files on disk indefinitely (that’s optional); it doesn’t ever mix up tapes from different pools (it doesn’t let the operator mix them up either); it doesn’t let scheduled backups slip by; it doesn’t lose reel identification numbers, tapes, or volumes. And just as in mainframe environments, it doesn’t let the operator mount the wrong tape! TAPESYS The OpenVMS Tape Management System


ACCURATE • Manages all tapes and media in the library • Manages separate pools:

Allocated pool of tapes currently in use Scratch pool, maintained on a FIFO

basis Sub-pools within the scratch pool to

maintain control of sensitive information

Limbo, where all formerly allocated volumes go to get ready to be reused (or degaussed)

Unavailable pool, if a tae, disk or cartridge is lost or damaged

• Manages user pools within each of above

listed pools • Assigns reel identification numbers to users

backing up interactively • Assigns media to the vault management

system COMPLETE • Runs all daily, weekly, monthly and other

recurring backups on time • Assigns cleaning schedules for reels and

cartridges • Provides complete job-scheduling system

for batch queues KNOWLEDGEABLE • Generates reports of data about tapes and

their assignments • Keeps mount counts and error counts on

each volume to protect users from damaged or dirty tapes

TRUSTWORTHY • Keeps a complete log of all transactions to

and from storage • Secures all tapes and files from unauthorized

use • Controls access to all tape drives on an as-

needed basis • Is on-site whenever OpenVMS systems are

in operation FRIENDLY • Uses DCL commands, but has complete

menus too (HTML-based) • Maintains a standby-archiving system for

users’ convenience • Can recover from catastrophic loss of its

own master files AVAILABLE • Immediately • From Software Partners today • Call for a fully-functioning demonstration

copy for your site VMS EXPERTISE TOO • We can provide excellent operator 'best

practices' training and VMS internals consulting as well

TAPESYS IS OUR LIVELIHOOD • We live or die by our software • We wrote the Digital product…which they

no longer support • We will be supporting TAPESYS until there

is no more OpenVMS from Compaq


TAPESYS allows users to manage their own backups and restores interactively, at a time that suits them. Operator involvement is limited to hanging a particular cartridge. When the user identifies the tape i.d., the system checks its assignment and verifies that it is appropriate before completing the request to the operator. If the user needs a tape from the scratch pool, the system automatically assigns the next tape and requests it of the operator. TAPESYS allows non-privileged users access to backup tapes while still preserving the security of the files on that tape. The ease, consistency, convenience and flexibility of TAPESYS gives users assurance that their files are safe, secure and accessible when stored on tape.

For user operations such as backups and restores, users may use either the TAPESYS backup and restore menus or DCL-like commands and qualifiers. See page 8 for a directory of user commands and page 9 for a sample directory of qualifiers used with the commands. Operators also can allocate, free, inquire about, and modify tapes on behalf of a user. Users

allocate a tape or other media from scratch perform a standard backup to tape inquire about a file, group of files, or a

directory backed up to tape modify the format, notes or scratch time of

a media record perform a standard restore request a volume mount for a reason other

than a backup or restore free a tape or cartridge back to the scratch

pool


With TAPESYS, users can backup important files easily. A backup is a copy of a file on tape. The computer operations staff perform backups periodically, but there are numerous times when a user wants to ensure a safe copy of a file offline. With TAPESYS, a user can request a backup easily whenever there is operator coverage or can use a simple standby-archiving process when there isn’t. Users have two ways to request a backup. They may call up the BACKUP screen or use the DCL command TAPE BACKUP/qualifiers.

Backup Screen The procedure for using the BACKUP screen is as follows: 1. Log into your account 2. At the $ prompt, type STORE<cr> and the

backup screen displays. 3. Request files to be backed up. 4. TAPESYS tells you the reel number on

which your backup is made and releases your window so you can do other things.

5. TAPESYS automatically sends a message to the operator to hang a tape. If your site employs a robot, the robot is directed to mount the tape.

6. The operator or robot hangs the tape, the label is verified, and the backup is performed.

7. A mail message is sent to you letting you know that the backup is completed. The completion status is included.

8. A batch log is deposited into your default login directory. If there is no operator coverage at the time the backup is requested, the request remains pending until coverage returns.


Backup Screen Fields Files to be included Enter up to 16 files, one per line (the window scrolls). Use angle brackets around any file you want deleted once the backup is complete. You can use any valid VMS file spec. Files to be excluded. Use this field for any specific filenames you wish to exclude. Initialize tape Qualifiers Use this field to indicate standard VMS BACKUP qualifiers to be used in the backup. Date options The system automatically uses today’s date, allowing you to overstrike your own if needed. None, before, since window Use this window to set up the time comparisons for the files you want to backup. You determine which date to use: 1. Date created 2. Last date modified 3. Expiration date 4. Last date backed up Keep in mind that you can avoid date checking altogether by selecting ‘none’. Reel ID Specify here one of the following: • reel ID of a pre-owned tape • ARCHIVE to access a current standby

archive tape • FOREIGN to indicate a tape not in the

TAPESYS library • Blank to have the system allocate a scratch

tape to your username • LAST to indicate a tape most recently

assigned to your username Saveset The system automatically names the backup saveset file by current date and time. Use the default or specify your own saveset name for your backup. Time The default is the current time; take it, or specify a time after which the backup should run.

Format Enter BACKUP (default), ASCII, EBCDIC or UASCII. Ignore locks This field enables open files to be copied to tape. Use /LOG A ‘yes’ response here puts a one-line entry in the batch log file for each target file backed up. Online reference Use this field if later you want to be able to look for files on tapes by tape number, directory, or filename. Verify backup Verification is recommended particularly for accounting and other sensitive files. Reply ‘Y’ for first-time writing to pre-allocated tapes that need to be initialized. An ‘N’ here causes the system to use the /NOREWIND switch. Note that newly allocated tapes MUST be initialized, and you have no choices. Size The cursor moves to this window to enable you to choose a particular size of length of tape or media. This is irrelevant for cartridge tapes. Density The cursor goes to this field if you are initializing a tape. The default is site-specific and can be overridden. Scratch date The cursor moves to this window to let you indicate how long you want to keep the tape. Notes You may enter a brief description of the file or some other identifier for your personal use. This will stay with the tape, as long as you own it. You can change it later. Media type The site-specific default or the user’s choice. This field is relevant only if your site supports more than one media type, e.g. DLT, 8mm, 4mm, 3480, etc. Pool Enter the user pool designation from which you wish to allocate tapes for your backup job.


With TAPESYS, a user can restore files easily and quickly whenever there is operator coverage (or anytime with robotic coverage). This is an integral part of a good backup system. A restore allows users to copy files back into their directories from tape. If there is no operator coverage at the time a restore is requested, the request remains pending until coverage returns. Users have two ways to request a restore. They may call up the RESTORE screen or use the DCL command TAPE RESTORE.

The procedure for using the RESTORE screen is as follows: 1. Log into your account. 2. At the $ prompt, type RETRIEVE<cr> and

the restore menu displays on your CRT or in your window.

3. Request the restore by filling in the appropriate fields.

4. TAPESYS releases your screen so you can perform other work while this restore job runs.

5. TAPESYS automatically sends a message to the operator to mount the tape. If your site employs a robot to mount tapes, the robot is directed to do so.

6. The operator or robot hangs the tape, the label is verified, and the restore is completed.

7. A mail message is sent to you telling you that the restore is completed and if there were any errors.

8. A batch log is deposited into your default login directory.


User Commands STORE This calls up the Backup Window, enabling the user to request a backup of files interactively. RETRIEVE This calls up the Restore Window, enabling the user to restore backed up files interactively. TAPE ALLOCATE This command allocates one or more tapes from the scratch supply. The quantity of tapes is required on the command, as are the format and the notes describing the tapes. Qualifiers may include /POOL, /SIZE and /USER, as well as others. The notes field can be up to 64 characters. TAPE CONCATenate This command concatenates one reel onto another in the media database, placing them in the same group. TAPE FREE With this command a user frees a specified tape or other media back to the scratch supply. TAPE INQUIRE reel_id The user can find information about a specific tape with this command. This can also be used to place descriptive symbols in the user’s local symbol table. TAPE INQUIRE SUMMARY With this command a user can find out about all tapes allocated to that username in order by tape i.d. TAPE INQUIRE FORECAST This command shows the user all tapes allocated to that username in order by scratch date. TAPE LAST_ALLOCATED This command requests that TAPESYS inform you of the last volume allocated to your username.

TAPE LOAD This command requests the operator or robot to load a tape for a user, who specifies the tape drive device and the reel i.d. The qualifiers include /WRITE, /STATUS, /MOUNT, /LABEL and /NOCHECK. TAPESYS provides a way for site managers to directly control allocation of tape drives. At those sites, this command is essential. TAPE MODIFY/NOTES A user can modify the notes for his own tape with this command. TAPE MODIFY/SCRATCH A new scratch date can be applied to a tape set with this command. TAPE REPORT The user can produce reports of files that have been backed up. Numerous selection criteria can be supplied to narrow the search. TAPE REPORT/SYSTEM Depending on site standards and a user’s authorization, this allows users to locate particular files in system backups and retrieve them to disk. TAPE RESTORE With this command a user can restore a file using DCL instead of the Restore Screen. The required information includes reel_id of the tape the file is now on; save-set, which is the file name given when the tape was written; and output_file for the name of the new file the user wants the information restored to. An asterisk in the output_file location will restore the file to its original placement. Possible qualifiers include /CRC, /LOG, /VERIFY, /OWNER, /SELECT, and one of the following: /NEW VERSION, /OVERLAY, or /REPLACE


Qualifiers for User Commands The following qualifiers represent a sample of those available. A complete list is included in the documentation for this product. /APPEND=reel_id Used to add additional reel(s) to a set of tapes. /DENSITY=density Refers to the density of the tape and is a qualifier for the TAPE ALLOCATE and TAPE BACKUP commands. The default is site-specific. /EXCLUDE=files Specifies a specific directory or files of a certain type that are to be excluded from a backup. /EXPIRED Used in the DCL command for backing up, it refers to the time the files have expired and is used with /BEFORE or /SINCE. /FOREIGN When used with the TAPE LOAD/qualifier command, this signals a tape that is not part of the site media library. /LABEL This causes the TAPE LOAD/qualifier command to execute a system service to MOUNT the tape on the indicated drive with a check for label matching. /LOG Used with TAPE BACKUP/qualifier, this causes a log of the individual files, backed up or restored, to be printed in the listing of the batch job. /NOCHECK This qualifier causes the TAPE LOAD/qualifier command to forego label comparison and does not prompt the operator if a match is not found between the label and the tape_id. /POOL=pool_name Used with the TAPE ALLOCATE command, /POOL designates that the tape is to come from a private tape pool which includes tapes reserved for the username.

/REEL=reel_id This qualifier may be used with either the TAPE BACKUP/qualifier or TAPE ALLOCATE/qualifier command and specifies the tape reel to be used. In both cases, omission of this qualifier signals the system to allocate the next appropriate tape for use from the SCRATCH pool. /REPLY=reply_string In the TAPE LOAD command, /REPLY receives a text string from the operator and saves the content in the symbol specified as status_string. /RING This qualifier signals the operator to mount a tape with a “write ring” when used with the TAPE LOAD command. /SAVE_SET In the TAPE BACKUP/qualifier command, this qualifier specifies the filename of the saveset written to tape. If omitted, it has the default value of DD-MMM-YYYY.BAK;hhmm. /SCRATCH This qualifier is used with the DCL TAPE BACKUP command and specifies the scratch date of the tape allocated. /SELECT_FILES As part of the TAPE RESTORE command, /SELECT_FILES specifies the files to be included from the saveset. If not specified, all the files from the saveset will be restored. /SIZE=reel size Used both with the TAPE ALLOCATE and TAPE BACKUP/qualifier commands, this refers to the reel size. The default is site-specific. /USER=username Requiring operator privilege in the TAPE ALLOCATE command, /user identifies the username of a particular media record.


Operator Choices With TAPESYS, site standards are used consistently and on time, according to the site schedule. TAPESYS gives the System Manager and operator(s) assurance that site standards are being used consistently for incremental and image backups as well as upon request by users. Site defined parameters for backups, restores and other TAPESYS operations are stored in a TAPESYS parameter file. TAPESYS maintains an online log of activity and a Master File. with full reporting capabilities. In addition to managing tapes via the Maintenance Screen, TAPESYS can automate all of a site’s tape management.

Features of TAPESYS include:

Automatic media recycling Tracking of all activity within the database

and logging it on the operator console and in a disk file

Overall control of regular recurring system-level backups of all disks

Accounting for all tape storage, which is particularly valuable in a commercial timesharing or internal chargeback environment

Keeping track of tape quantities according to pool and reel length and physical location

Datatrieve interface (strictly optional) Maintaining cleaning schedules for tapes,

which includes MOUNT and ERROR counts for every tape

Printing physical labels (unless suppressed by operator for security reasons) for all tapes as they are allocated or modified

Controlling tape drive allocation according to site standards

Managing off-site tape assignments: vault management

Archiving files from active media to storage media according to site specifications

Automatic recognition of mounted tapes, relieving the operator from REPLYing to mount requests

Simultaneous production of tape copies, by way of a unique driver that makes up to 8 identical tapes, at the same time. [Optional module, additional cost]


Tape Manager Activity Menu Screen Most operator functions are reached from the main operator menu. The menu is written in standard DCL and calls upon several subordinate command files, depending on the requested action. TAPESYS is designed to allow the manager to customize the menus as needed very simply. Selection 1. Define/Initiate System Backup If TAPESYS has been fully implemented, incremental and image backups will be queued automatically. In some sites, the operator may prefer to start system backups manually. To do this from the TOPER MENU, use selection 1. Selection 2. Full disk restore (via SYSBAK tape) Operators will use the full disk restore rarely. It can be directed to run batch or online and restores the complete contents of an/IMAGE backup to a specified disk. The operator is given a selection of recent backups of the specified disk and picks one. The job is queued by TAPESYS.

Selection 3. Incremental restore (Retrieve) The process for incremental restores by users is described on page 7. If the site allows users to request their own restores, users may restore their own files while other files on that tape remain protected. If user restores are common at that site, the operator may want the system to maintain an online directory that enables the users to determine the tape ID and date of the several most recent backups performed on any file. Selection 4. Incremental backup (Store) This choice provides users with the same options as shown in the Backup Screen of the User Guide (refer to page 5). Selection 5. Screen-driven Backup Scheduling This choice provides a special editor for working with system backup parameter files (.SBK files).


Maintenance Screen The operator reaches the Maintenance Menu through the commands TOPER <cr>, then M<cr> or by typing MAINT at the $prompt. Selection 1. Exit This allows you to exit the menu. Selection 2. Enter new tapes The system expects you to enter a number of tapes or other media at once and automatically increments the reel ID by 1 (unless you have indicated that the first tape is part of a logically linked set). Except for the reel ID, the defaults for all the fields for the next tape are the same as the first. To accept the data, simply hit RETURN once for each remaining tape. If you do wish to change information on a particular reel, TAB to the window and insert the new information, which is the default for the next tape you enter at this time (see p. 13). Selection 3. Remove tapes Enter the reel ID of the tapes you want to remove, and hit RETURN. Note that the system will not let you remove allocated tapes; they must be either in the SCRATCH, LIMBO, or DOWN pools.

The system automatically increments the reel ID by 1. Hit RETURN to accept the next tape for removal, or hit BACKSPACE to return to the selection prompt. Selection 4. Enter range of tapes Follow the procedure for entering a new tape, then press TAB. The cursor moves back to the REEL window, where you should enter the last reel in the range, followed by a TAB. The system then processes the range automatically, adding hundreds of thousands of tapes in one action. Selection 5. Generate report Upon selecting 5, the screen changes to the standard report menu (see p. 14). Selection 6. Inquire on any tape This selection displays the current status and condition of a specific tape on the screen. Selection 7. Modify tape parameters Descriptive fields may be modified. This is useful to correct typographical errors during original input and to make executive-level database changes.


Master File Access Screen Master Record Information The Master File Access Screens (options 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 from MAINT) allow you to perform standard media volume entry, removal, record modification, or inquiry. Fields to complete for Selection 2 (see p. 12) include the following: Media Number This is an alphanumeric field of up to twelve characters. For 9-track tapes, this value is generally reserved to 6 characters. Reel Size/Length Choose 600, 1200, 2400, or 3600. Location Take the default, or enter the name of the node or off-site location at which the tape is being stored. Cleaned date Today’s date is the default. Take it or type over it with the date of your choice.

Purchase date Today’s date is the system default. Accept the default or type over it with the date of your choice in the DD-MMM-YYYY format. Brand Insert brand name. This field is for informational use only. Status Flag The system default is that the tape is FREE, unless you stipulate otherwise. You can specify ALLOCATED to indicate this tape is already owned by someone. If you do, the cursor moves to the OWNER field. Otherwise, you need to hit a <cr> to enter this record. The cursor returns to the MEDIA NUMBER field for another tape. Owner Username If the tape is allocated, insert the username here. The system automatically checks to see that it is a valid username in the system. The cursor moves through the rest of the fields, allowing you to take the defaults or enter your own values. At any time, hit a <cr> to enter the current record and go on to the next reel.


Report Menu Screen Each field on the screen is available for printing and sorting. Similar reports may be created using the TAPE REPORT command. Selection 5. from the MAINT may be chosen to generate reports from the master database. The field selected as the primary sort key should have a number “1” next to it. The secondary sort key is denoted by a number “2”, and so on, until up to 4 sort keys are selected. A field selected simply for printing is denoted by the letter “P” for Print. The numbers in parentheses beside the fields indicate the length of each field.

When the report is prepared, the system tells you how long the report is in pages so that you can allocate an appropriate printing device. If you want to review the report on your screen, simply hit RETURN instead of entering a printer here. There is also the option of generating a report using the TREPORT menu accessed through the TOPER menu or at the command line (see page 17).


Standby-Archiving The Standby-Archiving menu allows the operator to start up and shut down Standby-Archiving, to inquire about jobs pending, authorize users to access and to abort Standby-Archiving. Standby-Archiving supports offline storage of user files on demand. It is designed to be used at sites where there are many user backups being performed. When running, users may offload their files at any time without Operator intervention.

The menu is accessible from the Operator’s Main Menu. Standby-Archiving tapes are made using standard VMS backup.


Vault Management TAPESYS manages all tapes going to and from off-site storage facilities. When a tape is selected for use during a system backup, the determination of when the tapes should go to the vault is made, and the appropriate date is attached to the record. Various vault schedules are accommodated. Multiple vault locations can be supported, and vault destinations can be pre-set for various sets of backup tapes depending on data content and retention. TAPESYS will match your schedule, whether your site sends tapes off once each week or every day. You may have another schedule altogether. TAPESYS can be directed to suit your needs. All vault management operations are accessible from the Operator Menu.

Also: Printed picking-slips detailing vault activity allow the Librarian to select tapes to be containerized. A Vault Profile report is available indicating all tapes coming and going over the next 8 days. When used with simultaneous production of tape copies, TAPESYS can direct one copy of the backup to a vault, while another copy stays on-site.


Tape Manager Report Menu TAPESYS provides a variety of reports on the status of tapes and backups. 1 Free Generates a report of all tapes with the specified status of FREE. 2 In Limbo Generates a report of all tapes with the specified status of LIMBO 3 Due for Allocation Generates a report of all tapes due for allocation listed in the order by which they will be allocated. 4 Allocate Generates a report of all allocated tapes listed alphabetically by reel number. 5 Allocated To A Certain User Generates a report of all tapes allocated and owned by a specified user. 6 To Be Cleaned Generates a report of all tapes that need to be cleaned.

7 Of A Certain Density Generates a report of all tapes of the specified density and status. 8 Recent System Backup Generates a report of system backups that have been done in the past N hours. 9 Quantity Control Reports Generates a report of the number of tapes within each status. 10 Slots Generates a report of all tapes, the slots they are in, and their location. 11 Tapes At A Location Generates a report of all tapes at a particular location or at ALL locations (default). 12 Offsite System Backups Generates a report that lists all tapes that were used for a system backup and that are off-site. 13 & 14 <Space for your own report> These fields are left free for the user to create their own canned reports and add them as menu options.


Optional Features TAPESYS includes an interface to CA-1 (formerly UCC-1). Information regarding the tape master file can be uploaded or downloaded, depending on need. If a sub pool of tapes in the TMS database is set up for OpenVMS use, TAPESYS can fill its scratch pool with downloaded information upon direction from the Librarian. The interface provides a means of updating, via batch, the mainframe database in order for mainframe operators to know what tapes and cartridges were used in the recent past in the VMS area. Information from TAPESYS is uploaded to CA-1 when the status of the database changes, keeping TMS informed of all VMS tapes.

DECnet/SNA Gateway interface Menu driven CA-1 V4.8 compatible

StorageTek ACS 4400 Silo Interface TAPESYS manages cartridges on Storage Technology’s Automated Cartridge System (ACS) 4400, as part of its comprehensive media and backup control methodology. TAPESYS controls all cartridge cycling, including the ordering of cleaning, vaulting and scratching. With TAPESYS, the ACS is driven to provide completely unattended media services for regular recurring backups and restores, as well as on-demand user backup, archive and restore. Media management reports detailing the status of the cartridges are available from one of the many menu systems provided by TAPESYS.

Concurrent Magtape Processing TAPESYS uses Software Partners’ Concurrent Magtape Processing (CMP) to create multiple copies of identical tapes. This feature is extremely useful when several copies of a tape set are needed for off-site storage purposes. CMP ensures that the copies are identical in every respect, to the point of beginning and ending with the same block. It allows for various lengths of tapes and accommodates bad spots on tapes. The benefit of CMP is that one can produce, at the same time, several copies of a tape, keeping one copy on-site, and sending the other(s) off to selected vaults. The database monitors the multiple copies. At any time, the Librarian, Operator, or Manager can determine which tapes have identical copies for recovery purposes. You can also employ THRUway® from Software Partners to facilitate CMP across your network. Thus you could actually write your off-site copies to an off-site tape drive. When they are finished, they will immediately and already be off-site.


Tape Operator Commands* The following qualifiers represent a sample of those available. A complete list is included in the documentation for this product. MAINT Goes directly to the Maintenance Screen. TOPER Calls up the toper menu command file, which includes the many functions available to the operator. TAPE ALLOCATE/USER=user Allocates a tape for a user. TAPE FREE/USER=user Frees specified tape(s) from username. TAPE INQUIRE/USER=user Inquires on specified tape(s) owned by username. TAPE LABEL Generates a new label manually. TAPESYS produces complete labels for external tape reels. TAPE MODIFY/CONTAINER Changes value of container field in which tape is physically stored. TAPE MODIFY/MOUNT Manually increases the MOUNT count for a tape for those times when a tape is mounted without the direction of TAPESYS. TAPESYS tracks MOUNTS of tapes that it is writing to. TAPE MODIFY/IBM Changes the name of the IBM destination node, for use with the TAPESYS CA-1 interface. TAPE MODIFY/IO Manually increases the I/O error count for a tape for those times when the tape experiences errors while outside of the control of TAPESYS. TAPESYS tracks errors automatically for tapes it is writing. TAPE MODIFY/VAULT Changes the off-site vault destination of a tape. TAPE MODIFIER/USER=user Modifies specified tape(s) owned by a given username.

TAPE OPERATOR AVAILABLE Tells the TAPE MANAGER (TAPMGR) to allocate all tape drives. Users must go through TAPESYS in order to gain access to the drives. This is for high-security sites. TAPE OPERATOR CLEAN Allows the operator to update cleaning times and provides an audit trail on the Master File. TAPE OPERATOR CERTIFY Updates the certification date of a tape record. TAPE OPERATOR DOWN Marks the designated tape as being out of service, temporarily unavailable for future use. TAPE OPERATOR UP Marks the designated tape as being back in service, and the tape is put into the LIMBO pool. TAPE OPERATOR NEXTFREE Makes a free reel become the next reel available for allocation (moves it to the top of the list). TAPE OPERATOR RELEASE Manually sends a tape from LIMBO back to scratch status (Tapes return automatically in time.). TAPE OPERATOR RESERVE Tells the TAPE MANAGER (TAPMGR) to deallocate a specified device. TAPE OPERATOR RETAIN Removes a designated tape from the LIMBO pool and restores it to its former owner (prior to scratching). TAPE OPERATOR STARTUP Manually starts up a specific backup job. TAPE REPORT/MASTER Generates custom reports of the TAPESYS master file. TAPE SHUTDOWN Shuts down the Tape Manager processes. *All commands can be done from a menu or from DCL.


Tape Life Cycle 1. Tapes or other media are purchased from a vendor. Records describing the tapes are entered into the database through a menu. Tapes remain in the scratch area until needed. 2. Tapes are allocated to users or processed on demand. By default, the tape selected by the system for a user is the one that has been in the SCRATCH area longer than any other tape. The tape remains allocated until its scratch date arrives or until the user FREEs the tape manually. Tapes in the ALLOCATED area can be members of a set of tapes. 3. Tape records can be moved into the NEVER category when their media are to be permanently assigned to their owners; for example, year-end financial tapes or original software distribution tapes.

4. When a tape’s scratch date arrives, it is sent to the LIMBO area. Coincidentally, a MAIL message is sent to the user warning that the tape is on its way back to SCRATCH. The user has a chance to request the tape be saved or can let the tape continue to SCRATCH. 5. Tapes in the LIMBO area are sent to the SCRATCH area after a fixed period of time (adjustable by the site manager). Tapes that are not physically present (e.g. lost) can be sent to the down area, a subset of LIMBO. Down tapes will not release back to SCRATCH without the Librarian’s authorization. 6. Tape records can be moved into the UNUSED category when their reels are moved out of service. This might occur when a tape is permanently damaged or permanently lost. The numbers can be reused when called up from the menu.

industrial-strength media and backup management for openvms … · 2004. 3. 11. · developed for...

Documents