System managed storage (SMS) is a foundational component of the z/OS operating system that automates the management of data sets and storage resources. It enables enterprises to define and enforce storage policies that optimize performance, availability, and cost-efficiency. SMS reduces manual intervention by dynamically assigning storage attributes to data sets using policy-based constructs, ensuring consistent and efficient data placement across the system.

SMS operates through a set of constructs like storage classes, management classes, data classes, and storage groups which are assigned to data sets using automatic class selection (ACS) routines. These constructs are defined and maintained within the source control data set (SCDS) and activated through the active control data set (ACDS). SMS is a core element of DFSMS (Data Facility Storage Management Subsystem), which provides centralized control over data movement, retention, and storage hierarchy across z/OS environments.

Administrators can manage SMS policies through the Interactive Storage Management Facility (ISMF), a TSO-based interface that provides access to SMS constructs and ACS routines. While ISMF is a powerful tool, its 3270 interface presents limitations in terms of usability and integration with modern IT workflows.

To support evolving enterprise needs, IBM introduced a Storage Management plugin for z/OSMF. This provides a modern, web-based UI and RESTful APIs that allow users to view and interact with SMS constructs in a more intuitive and programmatic way. Storage Management is designed to enhance usability, enable automation, and support integration with hybrid cloud and DevOps pipelines. It offers a flexible and accessible experience tailored for both new and experienced storage administrators, helping them manage storage policies more efficiently in today’s dynamic IT environments.

The source control data set (SCDS) is a key component of z/OS DFSMS. It stores SMS configurations, which define storage management policies. Each configuration has its own SCDS, and one is selected to become the active policy, which is then copied into the active control data set (ACDS).

SMS constructs provide the storage administrator with the ability to manage data using policy attributes. There are 4 main construct types currently available to Storage Management. Automatic class selection routines are scripts that provide the ability to filter data sets and choose a specific construct.

• Data class: Defines default data set attributes such as record format, space allocation, and retention period. It simplifies JCL by providing default allocation parameters for data sets.
• Storage class: Specifies performance and availability attributes for data sets. It determines whether a data set is SMS-managed and how it is accessed and stored.
• Management class: Controls the lifecycle of data sets, including backup, migration, and retention policies. It guides HSM (hierarchical storage management) in managing data sets over time.
• Storage group: Represents a logical grouping of physical storage volumes such as DASD or tape. It helps organize and manage storage resources under SMS policies.
• ACS routines: User-defined scripts that assign SMS constructs to data sets based on attributes. They automate the selection of constructs during data set allocation.

For details, see Allocating control data sets.

IBM z/OS Management Facility (z/OSMF) provides a task-oriented, web-based interface for managing various aspects of a z/OS system. It streamlines traditional tasks and automates others, helping to simplify system management and reduce the level of expertise required.

To use the Storage Management plugin, you must be authorized to access z/OSMF Storage Management.

For more information, use the appropriate link:

• New installation: Install z/OSMF for the first time.
• Upgrade: Upgrade your z/OSMF platform.

To use the Storage Management plugin:

1. Ensure that the Storage Management plugin is activated.
2. Confirm that you have the required authority to use Storage Management.

Note: Full functionality of the Storage Management API and the z/OSMF Storage Management plugin is available starting with z/OS 3.2.

Once the Storage Management plugin is enabled, a Storage Management icon appears in the App Center of the z/OSMF desktop. You can launch the plugin by double-clicking the icon. Additionally, it can be added to the desktop shortcuts.

The plugin currently provides the following features of z/OS Storage Management:

• Dashboard view
• Volume view
• Data class view
• Management class view
• Storage class view
• Storage group view
• ACS view
• Detailed views for each construct
• Adding and removing source control data sets to plugin
• Customizing column order and visibility
• Quick search, filtering and sorting data
• Exporting data to CSV format
• Targeted and untargeted actions for each construct

For a more in-depth understanding and details of the Storage Management plugin, refer to the online help.

Once the Storage Management plugin is enabled in z/OSMF, the APIs become available. These APIs can be quickly tested using the built-in Swagger utilities provided by z/OSMF, accessible through the z/OSMF REST APIs utility in the z/OSMF Desktop Reference Center.

• Listing and viewing SMS constructs (data classes, storage classes, management classes, storage groups, volumes, and ACS routines)
• Specifying an SCDS other than the active configuration
• Getting base configuration information
• Viewing ACS routine information stored in translator version 2 and source
• Displaying detailed information for each construct type
• New endpoints for management classes, the base configuration, and ACS routines
• Returning data in JSON format.

More details can be found in the z/OSMF Programming Guide.