When choosing an output device for stand-alone dump, consider the need for operator intervention, the amount of operator intervention involved, and the amount of time the system will be unavailable.
You can reduce the level of operator intervention during stand-alone dump processing by dumping to DASD. With an automation package set up to IPL the stand-alone dump program from DASD, stand-alone dump can be run from a remote site. When you dump to tape, an operator is required to handle other aspects of dumping, such as mounting or changing tapes, unless the tape is in an IBM® Virtual Tape Server (VTS).
The system is unavailable when a stand-alone dump is taken. The amount of time the system is unavailable depends upon the size of the dump. See Dumping to a DASD data set for more information.