System for modifying JCL parameters to optimize data storage allocations

• US 6,131,190 A
• Filed: 05/05/1999
• Issued: 10/10/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Teracloud SA
• Original Assignee: Leland P. Sidwell
• Inventors: Sidwell, Leland P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hafiz, Tariq R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN BA, HOANG VU A
• Application Number:
  US09/305,727
• Time in Patent Office: 524 Days
• Field of Search: 395/709, 717/9, 717/2, 717/3, 717/4, 717/8, 358/1.16, 707/1, 707/205, 710/5, 711/129, 711/220
• US Class Current: 717/115
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/5016 the resource being the memory

Abstract

A system for modifying job control language (JCL) parameters optimizes data storage allocations for datasets by collecting historical data concerning actual data storage space requirements and use patterns for each dataset. JCL statements are parsed to find references to datasets and their requested data storage space allocations. The system then generates revised JCL statements with revised space allocation requests and dataset migration information for each dataset based on historical space requirements and usage patterns. Optionally, the system can display each proposed change to the JCL statements for approval by the user. The system can also revise JCL statements requesting allocation of space for each dataset in predetermined data storage areas grouped by predetermined size ranges. Alternatively, some operating systems include a JCL interpreter that translates JCL statements into control blocks having predetermined parameter fields. The present invention can be implemented to process and revise these JCL control blocks instead of generating revised JCL statements.

Claims

1. A system for modifying parameters in job control language (JCL) control blocks to optimize data storage allocations for datasets comprising:

data collection means for collecting historical data concerning actual data storage space requirements of each dataset;

parsing means for parsing JCL control blocks for references to datasets and requested data storage space allocations; and

means for generating revised parameters in said JCL control blocks containing revised requests for data storage space allocations for said datasets based on said historical data.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for generating revised JCL parameters generates revised JCL parameters requesting allocation of data storage space for each dataset in predetermined data storage areas grouped by predetermined ranges of size.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising means for generating a report providing an audit trail documenting revisions to said JCL parameters.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said historical data includes data on the frequency of use for each dataset, and wherein said means for generating revised JCL parameters also generates JCL parameters concerning dataset migration based on said historical data.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said historical data for each dataset includes maximum size.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said data collection means collects historical data for each dataset from system management facility (SMF) records maintained by the computer operating system.

7. A system for modifying parameters in job control language (JCL) control blocks to optimize data storage allocations for datasets comprising:

data collection means for collecting historical data concerning actual data storage space requirements of each dataset;

parsing means for parsing JCL control blocks for references to datasets and requested data storage space allocations;

control tables containing a set of rules for substitution of parameters for data storage space allocation requests in JCL control blocks; and

means for generating revised parameters in said JCL control blocks containing revised data storage space allocation requests for said datasets based on said historical data and said rules in said control tables.

8. The system of claim 7 further comprising means for displaying revisions to said JCL parameters and allowing a user to accept or reject said revisions.

9. The system of claim 7 further comprising means for generating a report providing an audit trail documenting revisions to said JCL parameters.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein said historical data includes data on the frequency of use for each dataset, and wherein said means for generating revised JCL parameters also generates JCL parameters concerning dataset migration based on said historical data.

11. The system of claim 7 wherein said historical data for each dataset includes maximum size.

12. The system of claim 7 wherein said control tables further comprises rules for conversion of said data storage space allocation request parameters into a predetermined DATACLAS parameter.

13. The system of claim 7 wherein said data collection means collects historical data for each dataset from system management facility (SMF) records maintained by the computer operating system.

14. The system of claim 7 wherein said means for generating revised JCL parameters generates revised JCL parameters requesting allocation of data storage space for each dataset in predetermined data storage areas grouped by predetermined ranges of size.

15. A system for modifying parameters in job control language (JCL) control blocks to optimize data storage allocations for datasets comprising:

data collection means for collecting historical data concerning actual data storage space requirements for each dataset from system management facility (SMF) records maintained by the computer operating system;

means for generating a class table assigning each dataset to one of a set of classes based on said historical data;

parsing means for parsing JCL control blocks for references to datasets and requested data storage space allocations; and

means for generating revised parameters in said JCL control blocks for said dataset based on said class for said dataset.

16. The system of claim 15 further comprising means for generating a report providing an audit trail documenting revisions to said JCL parameters.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein said historical data collected by said data collection means includes data on the frequency of use for each dataset;

wherein said class assigned to each dataset is based at least in part on said frequency of use data.

18. The system of claim 15 wherein said means for generating revised JCL parameters generates revised JCL parameters requesting allocation of data storage space for each dataset in predetermined data storage areas grouped by predetermined ranges of size.