Function Descriptions

The numbers of the following function descriptions correspond to the function numbers in Table 19 in Interface Functions.

1. Set volume status to SCRATCH during batch processing. When a utility (for example, CTTRTM, the Control-M/Tape retention management utility) scratches volumes, the status of the volume is set to SCRATCH in the automated tape library database.
2. Set volume status to Scratch according to real-time and online tape processing. When a volume is scratched during real-time processing (for example, due to immediate release by an EDM) or through command E in the Control-M/Tape Inquire/Update screen (Screen TI), the status of the volume is set to SCRATCH in the automated tape library database.
3. Set volume status to ACTIVE during online processing. When a volume is unscratched through command X in the Control-M/Tape Inquire/Update screen (Screen TI), the status of the volume is set to ACTIVE in the automated tape library database.
4. Eject volumes during batch processing. When CTTVTM (the Control-M/Tape vault management utility) indicates that volumes in the automated tape library should be moved to a new location, the volumes are ejected from the automated tape library.
5. Eject volumes during online processing. When a volume is manually vaulted through command V in the Control-M/Tape Inquire/Update screen (Screen TI), the volume is ejected from the automated tape library.
6. Interpret Mount and Keep messages issued by Control-M/Tape (such as CTT100A, and CTT101A) to the automated tape library so that they are handled in the same way as Mount and Keep messages issued by MVS (for example, IEF233A or IEC501A). This function also includes interpretation of the POOL name in message CTT101A (or CTT104A for JES3) to ensure that a volume from the appropriate pool is mounted.
7. Monitor volumes ejected from or inserted in the automated tape library and update the IN-ATL indication for these volumes in the Media Database. This function usually also includes recording (in the Media Database) information about the internal location of a volume in the automated tape library.
8. Batch synchronize volume status (that is, SCRATCH, or ACTIVE) and location information (that is, whether or not the volume is in the automated tape library) in the Media Database and the automated tape library database. This function is performed through the CTTSYNC utility. For more information about the CTTSYNC utility, see the Control-M/Tape utilities chapter of the INCONTROL for z/OS Utilities Guide.

   This function usually also includes recording (in the Media Database) information about the internal location of a volume in the automated tape library.

9. Monitor changes to volume status (for example, from ACTIVE to SCRATCH) in the automated tape library database that are made directly using the automated tape library software. In order to avoid synchronization problems, the change to a volume’s status is allowed by Control-M/Tape only if it complies with the status of that volume in the Media Database.
10. Handle requests for volumes not in the automated tape library.

    When a volume not in the automated tape library is needed, Control-M/Tape indicates the volume’s location outside the library (for example, the vault name) and prompts the operator to insert the volume into the automated tape library before the mount request is issued. The operator can decide to insert the volume to the automated tape library or to ignore the prompt.

    If the prompt is ignored, the mount request for the volume specifies a tape drive that is outside the automated tape library and the tape has to be mounted manually.

    Note: This function should only be implemented at sites where all mount requests are normally handled by the automated tape library.

    Implementing this function at a site that often requires mounts outside the automated tape library results in unnecessary messages.

11. Allow Control-M/Tape utility CTTTPI to initialize tapes in the automated tape library. For more information about this utility, see the Control-M/Tape utilities chapter in the INCONTROL for z/OS Utilities Guide.
12. Set a volume’s status in the automated tape library database (that is, SCRATCH or ACTIVE) according to its status in the Media Database when it is inserted in the automated tape library.