Sequential data striping

Extended-format sequential data sets and extended-format VSAM data sets, which must reside on SMS volumes, can be striped. Striping is a subtype of the basic record organizations: sequential and VSAM. With striping, the data is written across multiple volumes, with consecutive "loading units" being striped (applied) to different volumes. The "loading unit" for extended-format sequential data sets is a track. The "loading unit" for striped extended-format VSAM data sets is a control interval (CI).

Striping can reduce the processing time for batch jobs that process large data sets sequentially.

DFSMSdss can dump, restore, copy, or release space from a striped data set.

Note:

DFSMSdss treats a striped data set in the same way as it does other multivolume SMS data sets.
DFSMSdss can convert a striped extended-format VSAM data set to extended-format during RESTORE processing. DFSMSdss can convert an extended-format sequential data set to sequential during RESTORE or COPY processing.

Related reading: For more information about striped data sets, see z/OS DFSMS Implementing System-Managed Storage.