Mastering the IEHMOVE Utility: Your Guide to Effortless Mainframe Data Management.

IEHMOVE Utility

Introduction

Mainframe systems are the backbone of many large enterprises and are known for their power and reliability in handling mission-critical data. Among the essential tools used by mainframe systems administrators and programmers is the IEHMOVE utility.

IEHMOVE offers a streamlined way to move or copy datasets within the mainframe environment. Let us deep-dive into the power of IEHMOVE and how it simplifies data management tasks.

What is IEHMOVE?

The IEHMOVE is a system utility used to move or copy logical collections of operating system data. It is important to note that the information on IEHMOVE is provided for compatibility purposes only. Its primary functions are:

• Moving datasets: Relocating datasets from one volume or device to another.
• Copying datasets: Creating a duplicate dataset on the same or a different volume.

Instead of IEHMOVE, DFSMSdss should be used to move or copy data to volumes managed by the Storage Management Subsystem. To process Partitioned Data Set Extended (PDSE) datasets, DFSMSdss or IEBCOPY should be used.

IEHMOVE is a system utility that moves or copies logical collections of operating system data. IEHMOVE utility cannot be used with PDSEs, ISAM, VSAM data sets, or large-format sequential data sets.

Why Use IEHMOVE?

There are some key differences to remember regarding moving or copying data sets. A move operation will erase the source data if it resides on a direct access volume and the expiration date has passed, while a copy operation will leave the source data intact. 

Additionally, if the data set is cataloged, a move operation will update the catalog to refer to the moved version (unless otherwise specified). In contrast, a copy operation won't change the catalog.

IEHMOVE provides several critical advantages for mainframe data management:

• Efficiency: IEHMOVE streamlines moving or copying datasets, mainly when dealing with large datasets or multiple volumes.
• Automation: It integrates seamlessly into JCL scripts, automating routine data management tasks.
• Dataset Groups: It enables working with groups of non-VSAM datasets cataloged in an integrated catalog facility.
• Volume Handling: IEHMOVE can efficiently move an entire volume of datasets.

Important Considerations.

While IEHMOVE is a powerful utility, here are some points to remember:

• Modern Alternatives: IBM recommends using DFSMSdss for data movement and copying within SMS (System Managed Storage) environments.
• Format Compatibility: IEHMOVE primarily works with sequential, partitioned, and BDAM datasets. It is not designed for VSAM, PDSEs, ISAM, or large-format sequential data sets.

IEHMOVE in Action: A Basic Example

Let us illustrate a simple use case of the IEHMOVE utility:

//JOBCARD JOB ... (Job Accounting Information)

//STEP01 EXEC PGM=IEHMOVE

//SYSUT1 DD UNIT=SOURCE,VOL=SER=SRC001,DISP=OLD

//SYSUT2 DD UNIT=TARGET,VOL=SER=TGT001,DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE)

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSIN DD *

  MOVE DSNAME=USER.DATA.*,VOL=SER=SRC001,TONEWVOL=SER=TGT001

/*

Explanation:

• SYSUT1: Defines the source volume (SRC001) containing the datasets to be moved.
• SYSUT2: Defines the target volume (TGT001) where the datasets will reside.
• SYSPRINT: Directs output messages.
• SYSIN: Contains control statements. The MOVE command specifies that datasets match the pattern USER.DATA.* The source volume will be moved to the target volume.

Advanced IEHMOVE Techniques.

IEHMOVE offers additional options and features for more precise data management:

• Selective Moves/Copies: Control statements help filter datasets based on names or patterns.
• Renaming: Rename datasets during the process.
• Multi-Volume Datasets: Efficiently handle datasets spanning multiple volumes.

Conclusion.

The IEHMOVE utility, though somewhat legacy for modern mainframe environments, remains a valuable tool for system administrators and programmers. Understanding its capabilities lets you streamline data management tasks within your mainframe system.

Call to Action.

Did you use IEHMOVE in your mainframe? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

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