And ... as of this time, to the best of my knowledge, there is STILL no way to selectively delete data from VM:Backup tapes (and... including the VMBACKUP catalog). VM:Archiver gets it right, but not VM:Backup. To circumvent that I created home-grown VMBEXIT6 which prevents general users from being able to see specific files backed up on specific dates, but anyone with access to VM:Backup's 191 disk (sysprogs) could change the exit.
This has been a significant problem when foreign government agencies require that their PII data no long reside in the U.S. (following implementation of the Patriot Act). Some time ago I submitted an enhancement request for VM:Backup to provide this capability. To be fair, the design of any backup product SHOULD be to ensure that all requested data is ALWAYS backed up - no matter what. Deleting selected backed up data (e.g. specific backed up files from specific minidisks or SFS directories) would not be something one would normally consider when designing a BACKUP product. But in today's litigious society, there are legal reasons to delete specific files after specific time periods on an ongoing basis. Mike Walter Hewitt Associates Any opinions expressed herein are mine alone and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of Hewitt Associates. Don Vining <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent by: "The IBM z/VM Operating System" <IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU> 05/06/2008 08:01 AM Please respond to "The IBM z/VM Operating System" <IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU> To IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU cc Subject Re: whitehouse email I heard it was email that brought North down. He thought he had deleted i t but, of course, he couldn't delete it from the backup tapes created by VMBACKUP. After this affair apparently several VMBACKUP customers request ed information on how to selectively delete files from backup tapes. The information contained in this e-mail and any accompanying documents may contain information that is confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and then delete this message, including any attachments. Any dissemination, distribution or other use of the contents of this message by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. All messages sent to and from this e-mail address may be monitored as permitted by applicable law and regulations to ensure compliance with our internal policies and to protect our business. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, lost or destroyed, or contain viruses. You are deemed to have accepted these risks if you communicate with us by e-mail.
