The data sets in a RACF® database can reside on any DASD device that is supported by the operating system. Each volume containing a RACF database data set should be permanently resident. If RACF is heavily used and you elect to use a single data set for the RACF database, plan to put the data set on a device accessed by the channel and control unit least likely to impact system performance.

Each data set in a RACF database must be a contiguous, single-extent, non-VSAM data set that resides on a DASD volume, and it must be cataloged. When you IPL the system, RACF allocates and opens the data set, and MVS™ updates RACF's control blocks with the physical location of the data set on the volume.

If you need to move your RACF database, copy it to the new location following the procedures in Copying your database.