System image and user-defined volume groups backup

The rootvg is stored on a hard disk, or group of disks, and contains start up files, the BOS, configuration information, and any optional software products. A user-defined volume group (also called nonrootvg volume group) typically contains data files and application software.

You can backup an image of the system and volume groups using, SMIT, or command procedures. A backup image serves two purposes. One is to restore a corrupted system using the system backup image. The other is to transfer installed and configured software from one system to others.

The SMIT procedures use the mksysb command to create a backup image that can be stored either on tape or in a file. If you choose tape, the backup program writes a boot image to the tape, which makes it suitable for installing.