DFSMShsm takes advantage of the single-file format and the compaction algorithms available on cartridge type devices. The single-file format allows for better performance and utilization of cartridges since they can contain hundreds or thousands of data sets on a single tape cartridge. DFSMShsm uses the capacity of the cartridges and provides ways to handle contentions for different data sets residing on the same cartridge.

DFSMShsm creates backup and migration output for tapes in single-file format and supports only cartridge type tape devices for the output. The CDS backup, the dump, and the ABARS functions support both reel type and cartridge type tapes for their functions. Data sets that have been backed up or migrated to reel type tapes, or that are in multifile format, can still be recovered or recalled from those tapes. Reel type tapes can also be recycled by DFSMShsm, with the new tapes being created as cartridge type tapes.