DFSMShsm manages non-SMS data sets at the volume level, applying the management criteria to all data sets on a given volume. SMS automates the management of storage at the data set level by introducing management classes. When assigned to data sets, management classes replace and expand attributes that otherwise would be specified on JCL DD statements, IDCAMS DEFINE commands, and DFSMShsm commands. When assigned to objects, OAM uses a subset of the management class attributes and the OSMC class transition attributes to manage objects. This topic describes management classes and shows you how to define them using the ISMF management class application.

With the Copy Technique attribute, the storage administrator has the option of specifying whether a system-managed backup process called concurrent copy should be used for data sets to enhance system availability during data set backup and aggregate backup processing. Data Set Alter can be used to alter a management class so data sets can use the concurrent copy technique during backup processing. The storage administrator has the option of specifying whether the concurrent copy process is required, preferred, or discouraged. The Copy Technique attribute is related to the Backup and Aggregate Backup components of management class. A Copy Technique field exists for each of the Backup and Aggregate Backup components. These fields appear on the management class list, display, define/alter, view, and sort panels.