DFSMS in the z/OS Operating System

DFSMS is an exclusive element of the z/OS® operating system. DFSMS is a software suite that automatically manages data from creation to expiration. The following elements comprise DFSMS:

DFSMSdfp, a base element of z/OS
DFSMSdss, an optional feature of z/OS
DFSMShsm, an optional feature of z/OS
DFSMSrmm, an optional feature of z/OS
DFSMStvs, an optional feature of z/OS

The z/OS operating system enables you to efficiently manage e-business workloads and enterprise transactions 24 hours a day. DFSMSdfp is automatically included with z/OS. DFSMSdfp performs the essential data, storage, and device management functions of the system. DFSMSdfp and DFSMShsm provide disaster recovery functions such as Advanced Copy Services and aggregate backup and recovery support (ABARS).

The other elements of DFSMS—DFSMSdss, DFSMShsm, DFSMSrmm, and DFSMStvs—complement DFSMSdfp to provide a fully-integrated approach to data and storage management. In a system-managed storage environment, DFSMS automates and centralizes storage management based on the policies that your installation defines for availability, performance, space, and security. With these optional features enabled, you can take full advantage of all the functions that DFSMS offers.

Storage management policies reduce the need for users to make many detailed decisions that are not related to their business objectives.