Volume Copy Rename™(VCR)

VCR™ provides fast, easy access to replicated data by augmenting any replication tool to clone DB2® subsystems, DB2 table spaces, or any data within minutes.

The challenge of using replicas is how to access the data, since the renaming and cataloging of the data to produce a usable clone is traditionally a manual process. As the demand for usable clones continues to grow, the jobs of the Database Administrators (DBAs) and Storage Administrator become more complicated. With VCR, you can you can quickly provide usable data clones to meet the increased demand for data access.

DB2 Subsystem Cloning by Volume

By automating and simplifying volume data cloning you can:

  • Clone a DB2 subsystem, either offline or online
  • Keep online systems up for inquiry access while batch updates are running
  • Provide quality assurance
  • Refresh test beds quickly

VCR quickly:

  • Renames and catalogs the cloned data in record time
  • Fixes the VTOC, VTOCIX, and VVDS conflicts
  • Optionally updates DB2 internal control information
VCR is lightning fast — source volumes are available after the copy!
        Timing 1
  • A DB2 application on 588 volumes
  • 3 minutes 41 seconds to copy (FlashCopy V1)
  • 10 minutes to rename
  • Less than a minute to update DB2
        Timing 2
  • 7200 volumes with 59,000 data sets
  • 18 seconds to copy (FlashCopy V2)
  • 11 minutes to rename

DB2 Table Space Cloning by Data Set

The VCR selectable feature Fast Table Space Refresh™ (FTR™) for DB2 automates and simplifies data set cloning of DB2 table spaces. FTR helps you meet these objectives:

  • Automatically translates object IDs that differ between source and target subsystems.
  • Uses TCP/IP to copy to subsystems not connected via CAF or DDF.
  • Includes an interface similar to the IBM® LISTDEF facility to drastically reduce the learning curve.
  • Allows you to select individual table spaces or an entire database.
  • Provides the capability to exclude undesired table spaces and indexes.
  • Lets you select all table spaces in an RI relationship.
  • Simplifies the selection and migration of LOB tables and CLONE tables (DB2 V9).
  • When used with DB2 V8 and higher, copies tables that have identity columns to another subsystem.

Moving to DB2 V8 but Concerned About Testing and Possible Impact?

Many Database Administrators (DBAs) want to move to DB2 V8 to benefit from the latest enhancements, such as the improved alter capabilities for indexes and tablespaces, reduced virtual storage constraints, faster log applies, dynamic scrollable cursors, and forward and backward searches via the same index. Some are hesitant, since all change involves some risk and can result in unexpected complications. Stop fearing change in your DB2 environment! If you are interested in taking advantage of the newest version of DB2 or applying new maintenance – but want to avoid any potential problems – let VCR ease your fears by quickly cloning a DB2 subsystem for you to test with. Find out how VCR can simplify and automate data cloning. Arrange for a personal briefing.

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