How to use the Image Copy utility

Install BMC AMI Backup and Recovery for IMS or IMAGE COPY PLUS.See the Installation System for complete instructions.

If you want to use SNAPSHOT UPGRADE FEATURE (SUF), you must install it. You may also need to take an additional step to handle the product authorization table to enable use of SUF; for more information, see SNAPSHOT UPGRADE FEATURE for IMS 6.2.

Choose the Image Copy utility functions that you want to use:

• The batch Image Copy function reads a data set group or area and creates one or more image copy data sets.
• The Online Image Copy function creates an image copy while the database is online. The function itself is performed from a batch job.
• The Incremental Image Copy function reads an image copy data set and a change accumulation data set, merges them, and creates the updated image copy data set(s). This function provides a roll-forward image copy that is performed completely offline, allowing for maximum database availability and reduced log input for recoveries.
• The Copy Image Copy function reads an image copy data set and creates a copy or copies of it.
• The Snapshot Copy function creates a batch image copy while updates are in progress by using the features of intelligent storage devices or by using the software cache. SUF must be installed and enabled.
• The Instant Snapshot function creates a nearly instantaneous physical image of a database by using the features of intelligent storage devices. SUF must be installed and enabled.
• The IMAGE COPY PLUS product provides the ICP Database Recovery function, which is primarily for use in recovering from a compressed image copy if you do not have the BMC RECOVERY PLUS for IMS product. The BMC Recovery utility can handle a compressed image copy automatically.

See Understanding-the-Image-Copy-utility-functions for more information.

Modify or create JCL.The Image Copy utility runs as a batch job. You can run the Image Copy function of the utility by using the same JCL that you would use for the IBM utilities with a simple STEPLIB override. The other Image Copy utility functions have similar JCL requirements. As you become familiar with the functions, you should use the more efficient and easy-to-use BMC JCL.

The ICPSYSIN data set contains BMC-format control statements. Its syntax follows IDCAMS and TSO format. Each statement begins with a command that invokes a function. Keywords, with their operands enclosed in parentheses, indicate the ddname(s) to use for the function and the options that override the previously specified defaults.

See Specifying-JCL-and-control-statements for information.

Specify the utility features that you want to use.Most of these features have options that you can specify in several ways:

• As keywords on the function control statement in the JCL. These keywords apply only to this function and this job step.
• As keywords on a GROUP control statement in the JCL. These keywords apply to all databases identified as part of the GROUP.
• As keywords on a GLBL control statement in the JCL. These keywords apply to all functions in this job step only.
• As values in a database-specific options member of a special data set called the PDX. These values apply to a particular database only.
• As values in an IMSID-specific module that is saved in the batch execution library. These values apply to all job steps that are executed under this IMSID.
• As values in a global module that is saved in the batch execution library. These values apply to all executions.

You can specify model information for dynamically allocated output data sets with the ISPF interface, with a MODEL control statement in the JCL, or with the Database Administration Console. You can specify options for the Automatic Restart feature with a CHKPT control statement.

The product ISPF interface helps make it easier to specify options in the database-specific (PDX members) and global options modules. See Customizing-after-installation for information.