IBM CICS VSAM Transparency for z/OS V1.2 enables the migration of data from VSAM to DB2 while ensuring continued access to the data in DB2, without modification to the CICS or batch VSAM application programs, and only minimal changes to the environment. The product lowers the risk of file migration and facilitates better sharing between online, batch and distributed applications while improving availability and scalability and enabling the use of powerful DB2 tools for maintenance and reorganization.
CICS VSAM Transparency is a set of data migration tools and a run-time management control component. The data migration tools include all the utilities required to convert VSAM key sequenced data set (KSDS) and relative record data set (RRDS) structures to DB2 tables, build the static Structured Query Language (SQL) drivers and migrate the data. The run-time component evaluates the application program's original and unaltered VSAM calls, processes them in DB2, and returns the results to the calling program.
CICS VSAM Transparency can help:
- Access a single source of production data
- Migrate individual VSAM files, as required
- Enable new applications to be fully DB2 technology-based
- Preserve investments in legacy applications
Why migrate VSAM files to DB2?
Do you have a plan to move critical VSAM data to DB2? This could be due to new technical challenges such as statutory compliance requirements, or the modernization of CICS applications. Has this migration been held up, due to concerns about the high cost of rewriting and testing applications and migrating data? Are you concerned that you might have to disturb legacy applications that have been running unchanged for years?
Moving your data to DB2 can help you add value to your data assets by leveraging its robust capabilities that include:
- 24x7 availability
- Integration with new applications based on DB2 technology, such as online and e-business systems
- Running ad hoc queries
- Ability to perform data analysis
- Creating visual information, such as executive dashboards
- Exploitation of database maintenance tools
New in CICS VSAM Transparency z/OS V1.2
CICS TS V3.2 support, without modification
- CICS TS V3.2 threadsafe File Control API performance benefits
- Dual Mode Facility - To assist with testing of migrated data and in the development of user exits
- Enhancements to the mapping component - To add support to the Auto Mapper feature for PL/I and Assembler copybooks
- Performance enhancements - achieved by enabling the CICS VT-generated Structured Query Language (SQL) driver modules to be re-entrant
