ALTERNATEUNITNAME: Specifying alternate unit names for a tape copy

Explanation: ALTERNATEUNITNAME(unittype1,unittype2) is used to specify the unit name associated with only a 3480, 3480X or 3490 cartridge-type single-file tape. When ALTERNATEUNITNAME is specified, the alternate tape will be allocated using the specified unit name. This will be done as long as there is no incompatibility in the unit name.

If there are two unit names specified with ALTERNATEUNITNAME, DFSMShsm will use unittype1 when the source volume is a standard cartridge, and it will use unittype2 when the source volume is an enhanced capacity cartridge.

Defaults: None.

Note:
  1. The following table shows the compatibility between original volume unit names and alternate volume unit names. This table applies when TAPECOPY output is being directed outside a system managed tape library.
    Important Note:
    You can force DFSMShsm to use a unit specified with ALTERNATEUNITNAME regardless of compatibility as per the table above, by using the following PATCH: 
    PATCH .MCVT.+1BC BITS(..1.....)
    Note, however, that you can force DFSMShsm to use this unit only if the following conditions are met:
    • The alternate unit name is a native device (not virtual).
    • The unit name is not defined as an esoteric to DFSMShsm (in other words, SETSYS UUT is not used to define the unit name).
    • The unit name does not contain mixed device types (for example, 3590 and 3592).

    If all of these conditions above are true and you have the patch set in the MCVT, DFSMShsm will allow replacement of the tape using the alternate unit name specified, regardless of the existing original unit. All records associated with the original volume and its data sets will be updated to reflect the new unit name and type.

  2. The 3480, 3480X, and 3490 can be considered valid generic unit names for the ALTERNATEUNITNAME parameter.
Parent topic: Optional parameters of the TAPECOPY command