IBM VSE • Storage Flexibility

Virtual Tape with GENIOS

Replace physical tape workflows with PC-based storage while keeping your applications unchanged. Avoid mounts and delays; keep data close to where it’s used.

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PC storage as mainframe virtual tape

Why Virtual Tape

  • Eliminate manual mounts and drive contention
  • Reduce physical media handling and transport
  • Use cost-effective PC DASD for “tape” datasets

Applications remain unchanged; activation is via JCL (GENIOS-formatted DLBL).

How It Works

  • GENIOS intercepts OPEN/GET/PUT calls and links to LIOCS in SVA
  • Data moves to/from a PC via TCP/IP or high-speed CTC
  • PCGENI on the workstation handles the endpoint

Data Handling

  • Automatic ASCII ↔ EBCDIC conversion
  • Printer forms control (CR/LF insertion)
  • Reblocking, generation data sets
  • Compression and encryption options

Security & Control

  • Mainframe-controlled sessions
  • Communicates only with GENIOS client on the PC
  • Works with your existing operations and scheduling

Getting Started

Begin with a single job to validate flow and performance, then expand usage.