Virtual tape devices
are managed by BRMS similarly to stand-alone tape devices with the exception
that virtual volumes can be mounted automatically. You can change the attributes
of virtual devices using option 2=Change from the Work
with Devices panel. However, some device attributes cannot be changed
for virtual tape devices. These attributes are:
Tape mount delay
The tape mount delay for virtual tape devices is always *IMMED since
these volumes can be mounted without delay.
Auto enroll media
Virtual tape media cannot be auto enrolled because this media requires
an image catalog and image catalog entry to use the volume. Virtual media
must be added to BRMS using the Add Media to BRM (ADDMEDBRM) command and specifying the image catalog containing the volume on the Image catalog (IMGCLG) parameter. The image catalog and
image catalog entry must exist for the volume to be added. See Enrolling Virtual Volumes for
additional information about adding virtual media to the BRMS media inventory.
Shared device
Virtual tape devices cannot be shared with other systems.
Device uses compaction
Virtual tape devices do not use compaction.
Transfer rate per second
The transfer rate of virtual tape devices is dependent on processor
and memory features installed on the system.