Automatic recall during catalog updates

A data set, either VSAM or non-VSAM, could be on a migration volume when it is about to have its catalog entry altered. If the catalog routine is requested to UNCATALOG, RECATALOG, DELETE/NOSCRATCH, or ALTER the catalog entry of a data set on a volume with a volume serial of MIGRAT, DFSMShsm first recalls the data set and then lets the catalog routine continue. In this case, DFSMShsm handles the volume selection for the recall request in the same manner as it handles the allocation recall requests. It does not recall the data set to a specific volume.

An IDCAMS ALTER command issued to change the storage class or management class, or both, of a migrated data set is an exception. When an IDCAMS ALTER command is issued to change either the storage or management classes, or both, of a migrated data set, the change is made without recalling the data set. Both DFSMShsm's and catalog's records are updated to reflect the change.

In a non-RACF environment, this function is bypassed, which permits any user to perform catalog maintenance without recalling data sets. In a RACF® environment, this function is bypassed for UNCATALOG, RECATALOG, and DELETE/NOSCRATCH if the current RACF logon group is ARCCATGP, which permits only authorized users to perform these requests without recalling data sets.
Note: Automatic recall is bypassed if DFSMShsm receives the DELETE command before any other command. In cases where another component performs an action that invokes DFSMShsm before the DELETE command, an automatic recall occurs. For example, issuing a DELETE command on a migrated data set using some TSO options causes DFSMShsm to recall that data set before processing the DELETE command.

The access methods services REPRO/MERGECAT and CONVERT CATALOG commands do not cause a data set recall, because the catalog entries are not being altered.

A recall may be retried multiple times and lengthen processing time if the necessary resources are not available.

Related reading

For more information about performing RACF catalog maintenance, see z/OS DFSMShsm Implementation and Customization Guide.

Parent topic: Automatic recall