Using the XBM utility program for a VSAM snapshot copy

The XBM utility program offers the following features in addition to the standard copy features found in REPRO:

1. An automatic quiesce for registered CICS VSAM data sets (requires IBM CICS Version 4.1 or later). The XBM utility program quiesces registered data sets by obtaining ENQs on all files for those data sets. After all ENQs are obtained, the snapshot job commences and the ENQs are released.
2. A group feature that lets you make a Snapshot Copy of a group of VSAM or CICS VSAM data sets with the same quiesce point.
3. A restartable feature that lets you restart failed Snapshot Copy jobs with the original quiesce point.
4. A keyword to specify Instant Snapshots.
5. A messaging feature to trigger submission of jobs for concurrent update processing. Message BMC73739I goes to the system log, and you can use it to trigger submission of jobs that update the data sets in the group.

Running a VSAM or CICS VSAM Snapshot Copy requires steps to prepare XBM for snapshot processing and steps to prepare the XBM utility program. To prepare XBM for snapshot processing, see the appropriate topic in this section for instructions on preparing software, hardware, or Instant Snapshots. To prepare the XBM utility program, perform the following steps:

1. Set the region size.

2. Prepare the CICS environment (for CICS VSAM snapshots only).

3. Create the JCL for the job.

4. Establish a quiesce point (done manually for VSAM data and automatically for CICS VSAM data).

5. Submit the job.

6. Review the output.

Each of these steps is explained in the following sections.

This section contains the following topics:

• Setting region size
• Preparing the CICS environment
• Creating JCL
• Establishing a quiesce
• Running the job
• Running restartable jobs
• Reviewing output