IAM Version 8.0 L21 is now available and provides the following new features:

RRDS Support

IAM RRDS (Relative Record Data Set) support. IAM supports both fixed length record RRDS datasets and variable length record RRDS datasets. This support will bring the many advantages of IAM to RRDS datasets, including IAM Real Time Tuning Buffer Management, IAM Data Compression, and the single system IAM Record Level Sharing capability.

The RRDS support is available as a part of the additional cost IAM AIX feature.

CICS Virtual Storage Reduction

IAM Version 8.0/21 provides a new capability to reduce IAM’s use of below the line virtual storage under CICS for opened Enhanced Format IAM files. Currently, IAM typically uses 4K of below the line storage for each opened Enhanced Format file to contain I/O control blocks (DCB, IOB, JFCB) and channel programs. With the new Below the Line Pooling feature enabled, IAM storage usage will be reduced by at least 50% for IAM Enhanced Format files, when several files have been opened. The feature is enabled by setting the IAM Global Option BELOWPOOL to YES.

Journaling Enhancements

IAM Version 8.0/21 provides a new capability to optionally use the IAM RLS journals for IAM files that do not need the sharing support provided by IAM RLS. Use of this feature will eliminate the need to have a separate journal file for each IAM data set that is using the IAM journaling function. This feature will also provide for being able to do a back out recovery for all of the IAM files a job may have updated with one execution of the IAMJREST recovery utility. Management of the journal data can be done on an installation level, rather than on a file by file level. Programs that use the IAMRLS journaling can also use the IAM Batch Syncpoint program, which can reduce recovery times for long running programs.

RLS LOG Enhancement

The RLS LOG file, which is a printed output of RLS activity, can now be dynamically allocated and spun off. Use of this feature will enable customers to keep IAMRLS up indefinitely.

Recatalog Enhancement

To make it easier to recatalog copies of IAM datasets with alternate indexes that are on DFSMS managed volumes, users can now specify VOLUME(ANYVOL) on the DEFINE RECATALOG request. This eliminates the need to know the volume(s) on which DFSMS has placed the data set.

Requesting IAM V8.0 L21- To receive the latest level, or for any other questions either call your local Innovation office or e-mail your request to support@fdrinnovation.com

IAM is a critical component for many OS/390 and Z/OS data centers and provides significant reduction in Batch run time and Online response time for VSAM based applications. Below is a sample of many third party vendor packages, which IAM customers have successfully converted from VSAM to IAM.