Retention Algorithm

Whenever a new data set is created, the retention specification for that new data set is taken from one of the following sources:

• retention attributes: JCL parameters EXPDT, RETPD, or DATACLAS, and, if the SMS Interface is active, relevant Management Class attributes
• the rule table currently in memory
• $DEFAULT rule
• installation default

The algorithm by which the retention specification is selected is as follows:

• If a retention specification is found in either the retention attributes or in the current rule table, but not both, that retention specification is used.
• If a retention specification is found in both locations, the retention selected depends on the OVERJCL installation parameter:
  • If OVERJCL is set to Y, the retention from the current rule table is used.
  • If OVERJCL is set to N, the retention attributes are used.
• If a retention specification is not found in either the retention attributes or the current rule table, the retention in rule $DEFAULT is used. If rule $DEFAULT does not exist, the installation default is used.

  Note: To maintain CA-TLMS compatibility, if the JCL EXPDT / RETPD / DATACLAS parameter contains a non-keyword date, the $DEFAULT rule overrides the JCL value. The JCL value is considered only if the $DEFAULT rule specifies JCL retention.

  Note that when processing abend retention, the retention attributes are not considered.

  Retention parameters are taken from the current rule table.

• If the table does not have retention specifications, abend retention is taken from $DEFAULT.
• If $DEFAULT does not have retention parameters, the installation default is used.