Automated Mainframe Database Image Copy Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mainframe computing systems lack automated processes to determine if database image copies are up-to-date for disaster recovery, leading to difficulties in restoring the system due to missing or outdated image copies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically identify databases without current image copies, create necessary control cards, and generate Job Control Language (JCL) statements to facilitate disaster recovery by receiving a list of databases, determining their backup status, and generating control cards for each application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual processes are used to determine database backup status and create control cards, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of backup status by automatically checking the backup catalog and determining which databases have current image copies without requiring manual intervention. The control card generation is also automated, eliminating the need for manual creation of JCL statements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of backup status before disaster recovery operations are needed. By continuously monitoring and verifying which databases have current image copies, the system prepares the necessary information in advance, so that when a disaster occurs, the recovery process can proceed immediately without time-consuming manual verification.
2Productivity
If automated processes are implemented to verify backup status and generate control cards, then time efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal approach where a single automated process handles multiple functions: verifying backup status, identifying databases without current image copies, and generating control cards for all affected databases. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation or model of the backup status information by extracting data from the backup catalog and generating a structured output that mirrors the necessary control card information. This copying approach allows the system to work with simplified data representations rather than complex raw data structures.
3Reliability
If manual verification of image copies is performed, then accuracy and control are maintained, but reliability of disaster recovery decreases due to human error and oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the backup catalog and comparing it against the list of databases to determine which databases have current image copies. This automated feedback loop ensures that the system always has accurate, up-to-date information about backup status, eliminating human error and providing reliable verification.
4Reliability
If comprehensive backup verification is performed for all databases, then completeness of disaster recovery is improved, but the effort and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of backup status for all databases in advance, maintaining a current record of which databases have image copies. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming verification during disaster recovery operations, as the information is already prepared and available.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for determining whether databases in a mainframe computing system have updated image copies. A list of all databases in a mainframe computing system is received and backup data for each of the databases is received. From the backup data it is determined whether each of the databases has a current image copy. If each of the databases does not have a current image copy the databases without a current image copy are identified. The present invention also relates to a method for automatically creating control cards and job control language (JCL) for restoring a mainframe computing system.