About Sun Adapter for VSAM

This topic provides information about Sun Adapter for VSAM.

About VSAM

Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) is one of several access methods that defines the technique by which data is stored and retrieved. It is a GET/PUT interface used to transfer data from a direct-access storage device (DASD) to an application program. VSAM does not support data stored on tape.

VSAM stores data as a collection of data sets. IBM uses a collection of three data-set organizations—sequential, indexed, and direct-access, together with the access methods and utilities used on mainframe operating systems.

VSAM data sets must be cataloged in an integrated catalog facility (ICF) structure. Records are arranged by an index key or by relative-byte addressing. VSAM uses direct or sequential processing of fixed and variable-length records stored on a DASD.

VSAM also provides the following features:

• Allows you to organize and access data (record management).

• Maintains information about this data, which is stored or referenced in a catalog (catalog management).

• Supports Entry-sequenced Data Set (ESDS) and Key-sequenced Data Set (KSDS) files.

The VSAM Adapter allows you to utilize and extend all of these features. For more information on VSAM, see IBM’s Web site.

About the VSAM Adapter

The VSAM Adapter enables Sun Java CAPS ESB to exchange data with external IBM VSAM mainframe file systems. This Adapter is similar to other database Adapters, such as IAM, ADABAS, and IDMS. The Adapter uses its own properties settings and Sun Java CAPS ESB components to enable VSAM data integration.

Adapter Operation

This Adapter enables Sun Java CAPS ESB to communicate with VSAM files on a mainframe host system via TCP/IP. The Adapter utilizes an IBM WebSphere Information Integrator Classic Federatione component that allows you to view and access VSAM in the same way as any standard relational database system.