Access method services, also known as IDCAMS, creates and maintains VSAM data sets. With access method services, you can perform the following tasks:

• Define VSAM data sets.
• Define and build alternate indexes.
• Back up and restore VSAM data sets.
• Copy data sets.
• Print the contents of data sets.
• Delete data sets.
• Collect information about data sets.
• Examine the structural consistency of VSAM key-sequenced data sets.
• Control DASD cache.
• List tape volume (VOLCAT) catalog entries.
• Diagnose catalog errors.
• Recover from catalog errors.
• Define system-managed libraries and volumes.
• Define extended addressability for an extended-format VSAM data set to support a data set size greater than 4 GB.
• Encrypt and decrypt data sets.