Archive log data sets

Archive log data sets can be placed on standard tapes or disks and can be managed by DFSMShsm (Data Facility Hierarchical Storage Manager). Archive logs are always written by QSAM.

Archive logs are always read by using BSAM. The block size of an archive log data set is a multiple of 4 KB.

Output archive log data sets are dynamically allocated, with names chosen by Db2. The data set name prefix, block size, unit name, and disk sizes that are needed for allocation are specified when Db2 is installed, and recorded in the DSNZPxxx module. You can also choose, at installation time, to have Db2 add a date and time to the archive log data set name.

Restrictions: Consider the following restrictions for archive log data sets and volumes:
  • You cannot specify specific volumes for new archive logs. If allocation errors occur, offloading is postponed until the next time loading is triggered.
  • Do not use partitioned data set extended (PDSE) for archive log data. PDSEs are not supported for archive logs.