This parameter specifies the name of the agent that is invoked when a file is declared (at DDMOpen) and, optionally, when the file declaration is deleted (at DDMClose). The agent_name specifies the name of a member that must exist in SYS1.PROCLIB. Parameters can optionally be provided for symbolic substitution in the PROCLIB member.

Allocation will run under the authorization assigned to started tasks. The agent (running under the user's authorization) may have to use dynamic allocation to allocate files that cannot be allocated by started tasks.

Because agents begin as started tasks, unless DFM00 specifies RESTRICT_START(NO), the first 3 characters of the procedure (or agent) must be "DFM."

The maximum length of the agent name and its parameters is 107 bytes. Each parameter in the list of procedures is subject to the z/OS® limit of 44 bytes.

The agent runs synchronously. If the PROCLIB member has multiple steps, any file name changes or return code settings will be propagated to the later steps and will only be returned to DFM after the last step has executed.