VSAM files

Converting and Processing „Virtual Storage Access Method Data“

Challenges

VSAM records are fixed- or variable-length records organized into fixed-size byte blocks within larger divisions on disk tracks or cylinders. IMS/DB and DB2 are implemented on top of VSAM, using its data structures.

However, VSAM is not compatible with many other applications, so you need a tool that can not only process VSAM data but also convert other file formats to and from VSAM. Working with VSAM datasets can often be challenging, especially when trying to integrate them into modern data environments. The strict structure and special format of VSAM can make it difficult to manage and analyze this data efficiently. Many companies face the task of converting VSAM data into formats that are compatible with modern tools. VSAM is deeply rooted in many traditional mainframe environments, and its complexity requires specialized knowledge and tools. This means that companies often rely on specialized software to extract, transform, and load (ETL) VSAM data. These tools must be able to understand and process the unique characteristics of VSAM, while also offering the flexibility required for conversion into other formats.

Voracity: The Solution for VSAM Challenges

This is where IRI comes in. With IRI, you can not only efficiently process VSAM datasets but also convert them into a variety of other formats. This means you can leverage the benefits of VSAM within your existing infrastructure, while ensuring compatibility with modern software. IRI provides you with the tools you need to transform VSAM data quickly and reliably, whether you want to migrate VSAM data to SQL databases like DB2 or integrate it with modern data analysis tools. It simplifies working with VSAM datasets, allowing you to integrate this data into your modern workflows without losing the complexity and specific requirements of VSAM.

Flexibility and control

With IRI, you gain full control over your VSAM data. You can automate data extractions and conversions, saving you time and resources. Furthermore, IRI offers powerful data masking and cleansing functionalities that help ensure the integrity and security of your data.
By using IRI, you can process VSAM data in real-time and convert it into formats optimized for your analysis and reporting tools. This gives you the flexibility to unlock the full potential of your data.

Solutions

IRI offers many options for users with VSAM files for:

Use the Legacy Edition south IRI NextForm-data migration package and specify your need for VSAM support. The NextForm GUI in IRI Workbench can connect to your VSAM file sources using a special ODBC driver, allowing you to create jobs to re-map, reuse, and report on that data. Specify and populate target files in other formats, database tables, reports, and applications in Eclipse such as BIRT.

Use the SortCL program in the IRI CoSort Package for fast data transformations, as well as data migration, reformatting, and replication functions of NextForm and the data masking functions of IRI FieldShield (Data Masking). If you only need to protect data in VSAM files, FieldShield is sufficient. In any case, you must inform IRI that you have VSAM files to use its special driver for traversing files and handling those files in the IRI Workbench GUI to receive.

If you still have access to the mainframe, first try to reduce your VSAM file there with the REPRO option in IDCAMS. Then use SortCL or NextForm) to transform or convert the file and its data types into one of the target formats listed in the tabs above.

IRI has partnered with NTT Data to support VSAM file sorting and processing from the mainframe in their UniKix Transaction (TPE) and Batch (BPE) processing environments. IRI is also working with Language Portability Solutions (LPS) to provide VSAM file conversion services. Use the form below to request details.