Re: VMBackup question

[Jim Bohnsack]

I don't think I can define them at a higher density.  It's been too long (thankfully) since I've been in that depth of channel programming and working to the real device.  I had to code (3490C on the TAPE WVOL1 command to label tapes that would work.  I may be able to change them in VMBackup now that they are labeled, however.  I'll try. The purpose of creating backups with virtual tapes and real 3590 cartridges is just for separation of the backup media.  We had (have) two 3494 robots a mile or more apart on the campus.  Wouldn't help much in a nuclear blast but then I wouldn't care.  Actually, I may because I now live and work 1,500 miles from either backup site.  No danger of a flood on the campus.   It would have to float Noah's ark. Jim Michael Coffin wrote: Can the Luminex virtual tapes be defined as a higher density than the "real" 3590's? PS: What is the purpose of creating backups with virtual tapes AND real 3590 tapes? Are the "real" tapes sent offsite or something? -Mike -----Original Message----- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Jim Bohnsack Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 11:48 AM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: VMBackup question Steve--That wasn't the answer I wanted to hear but is the type I expected. We don't use VM:Tape, just VM:Backup. A work-around I've thought of is to do the backups, which happen in the middle of the night, in 2 separate runs. First a backup specifying the 3590 tape pool and then another backup specifying the virtual tape pool. They wouldn't be exact but at least the taking the default on a restore of the most recent backup would pull the virtual tapes rather than the 3590 cartridges. On the other hand, I'll have to talk with the group to see if it really makes any difference as to which gets pulled for a restore. The result is going to be the same. One purpose of the virtual tape was to allow us to get an old 3494 out of use and off maintenance. Mission accomplished, even tho not esthetically pleasing. Jim Imler, Steven J wrote: You VM:Backup System Programmer is correct ... the "higher" density media will always be preferenced in the volser list sent to VM:Tape. =20 The simplest thing I can think to do is use a VM:Tape COMMAND EXIT that swaps the 2 volsers in the list. =20 Alternatively, I suppose you could "outcode" (CHECKOUT) the 3590 tapes, I think that would prevent them from being selected (but you'd need to remember to check them back in before they can be scratched for reuse).=20 JR (Steven) Imler CA=20 Senior Sustaining Engineer Tel: +1-703-708-3479 steven.im...@ca.com -----Original Message----- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Jim Bohnsack Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 10:34 AM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: VMBackup question We have installed a Luminex virtual tape system. My question isn't how=20 to make it work. It seems to be doing fine. The only problem and the=20 reason for my question is that I have the virtual tapes defined as 3490C tapes. My quandary is the fact that I have the virtual tapes defined as the VMBackup Primary Resource Pool and and a 3494 robot with 3590=20 drives, located in a different location, as the VMBackup Copy Resource=20 Pool. It works just fine for backups.=20 Restores, however, result in VMBackup picking a 3590 tape rather than=20 one of the 3490 tapes. I know, or think I know, that I can get around=20 that using VMBackup Job Template files and specifying the input tape=20 volser and/or density. That's a little awkward. I want the restores to be able to be done from the VMBackup screens so our admin. people can do them. The VMBackup System Prog. Ref says that the tapes for a restore=20 are chosen from a density preference list with the higher density tapes, naturally, being chosen first. That's logical, but not what I want.=20 Does anyone have any idea as to how to force VMBackup to use a different list? I have a question open the CA but I was hoping that someone has=20 faced the same question . Jim --=20 Jim Bohnsack Cornell University (972) 596-6377 home/office (972) 342-5823 cell jab...@cornell.edu -- Jim Bohnsack Cornell University (972) 596-6377 home/office (972) 342-5823 cell jab...@cornell.edu