DFSMSrmm retains data sets and volumes using policies you define in vital record specifications by matching data sets and volumes to vital record specifications. DFSMSrmm matches data sets with data set names and job names specified in the vital record specification. Data sets that have the VRSELEXCLUDE attribute set to "on" are excluded from vital record processing.

You can define policies for specific data sets and volumes. You can also define system-wide policies for all data sets not covered by a specific policy.

The data set name masks ** and primary vital record specification *.** match to all data sets not covered by a more specific vital record specification. DFSMSrmm matches a vital record specification with the data set name mask *.** to a data set before matching to a vital record specification with a vital record specification management value. DFSMSrmm uses the vital record specification with the data set name mask ** to cover any data sets that do not match to any other vital record specifications. You can use these data set name masks to define a system-wide retention policy.

DFSMSrmm matches a data set to a secondary vital record specification when the data set first matches to a vital record specification with a data set name mask, except **.

You can define special OPEN, ABEND, and DELETED policies to manage data sets that are left open, closed as a result of an abnormal end in a task, or closed with normal disposition DELETE.

You can select how DFSMSrmm uses data set name and job name in matching with the parmlib OPTION VRSJOBNAME operand described in Defining system options: OPTION. z/OS DFSMSrmm Managing and Using Removable Mediaprovides information on defining vital record specifications and how to retain and move data sets and volumes.