VSAM RLS access does not change the format of the data in the VSAM data sets. The data sets are compatible for non-RLS access. If you set the cross-region share option to 2, you can issue a non-RLS open-for-input request while the data set is already open for VSAM RLS access. However, a non-RLS open-for-output request fails. If the data set is already open for non-RLS output, an open for VSAM RLS fails. Therefore, at any point in time, a data set (sphere) can be open for non-RLS write access or open for VSAM RLS access.

CICS® and VSAM RLS provide a quiesce function to assist in the process of switching a sphere from CICS RLS usage to non-RLS usage.

Recommendation: Be careful about quiesce with a path name; always use a base name.

Related reading: For information about the quiesce function, see Quiescing a data set.