The CTTSBD utility copies data sets residing on removable media. It supplements the Control-M/Tape Dynamic Dataset Stacking facility, which controls the placement of data sets at time of creation.
The CTTSBD utility enables you to copy existing data sets (input data sets) from one location to another. Output data sets (the new copies) can be new data sets with their own names and retention or they can replace input data sets by "taking over" relevant catalog entries and assuming certain attributes of the input data sets.
NOTE: If you are working in an SMS-managed environment, it is important to ensure that no DATACLASS ACS routines modify or set attributes of data sets created by the CTTSBD utility (for example, using keywords RECFM, LRECL or BLKSIZE).
The CTTSBD utility enables you to
copy multiple input data sets to a single output volume or a multi-volume chain (stacking)
copy each data set from an input volume or volume chain to a separate output volume (unstacking)
select input data sets and volumes according to various criteria
control grouping of output data sets in a volume (or volume chain)
copy the attributes of input data sets to the output data sets. Attributes describing data set name, catalog reference, retention information, creating job, and so on, can be copied
analyze free (available) space in the tape library and associated costs
Running the CTTSBD utility to stack multiple data sets is called Batch stacking. Batch stacking helps you
increase the number of available (scratch) tapes in a tape library
free scratch volumes to satisfy immediate production needs
simplify stacking implementation at your site
control the growth of your cartridge inventory
refresh old media
migrate data sets from one media type to another
implement new or modified site standards regarding which data sets (for example, data sets created by different applications) can or cannot reside on the same volumes
create additional copies of existing data sets for backup, shipping off-site or usage by other applications
reclaim space occupied by expired data sets on multi-file volumes
