For DASD-only log streams, staging data sets are a required part of the system logger configuration. System logger automatically duplexes data to the staging data set for the system at the same time it writes the data to local storage buffers. IBM® suggests that you plan for staging data sets for each system, using SMS to manage them. If you do not plan for the staging data sets using SMS, system logger will automatically allocate staging data sets for a system connecting to a DASD-only log stream, using the defaults outlined below.

IBM suggests that all the staging data sets reside on devices that all systems in the sysplex have connectivity to through channel paths, if the application intends to have more than one system connect to the DASD-only log stream (in sequence, not simultaneously). If the application intends to have only one system ever connect to a staging data sets, this connectivity is not necessary.