For reservations that have to be made with specific allocations (e.g. with specific locations or number ranges) MAREN uses a reservation file. This contains the data relevant for reservations. In the event of a reservation, MAREN compares the specified selection criteria (e.g. of the RESERVE-FREE-VOLUMES statement) with the criteria from the reservation file.
The MAREN administrator generates, edits and manages the reservation file via the menu interface of the MARENLM program. Alternately he/she can edit the reservation file with an editor.
In addition to a reservation file, the administrator can also use MAREN exits (see “Location definition using MAREN exits” (Automatic location definition)).
Applications
A reservation file, for instance, can be used in the following situations:
An existing archive system configuration is being extended, i.e. a second archive system is being added. The criteria which determine the archive system’s behavior when selecting free tapes needs to be defined. If a reservation file or the MAREN exits are not used, any free tapes requested would always be selected from the same archive system.
An existing archive system configuration is retained, but its use is being altered. New MAREN exits need to be programmed or the existing exits need to be reprogrammed extensively. A reservation file greatly facilitates the necessary modifications.
Beyond that, a reservation file also offers flexible location assignment features.