Keeping tapes longer before scratching them

Products

• TLMS Tape Management

Issue/Introduction

When several rules are defined in the RMF file, and tapes already created, what is the best method to keep these tapes unscratched longer than defined in the RMF file ? 

Resolution

Update the volume by CATINQ with SERVICE=OUT to put the tape out of service.

sample:

/TLMSINQR  JOB
//TLMSINQR  EXEC CATINQR
//CAIIPT    DD   *
/UPV CPX123,SERVICE=OUT,OUTDATE=03/13/1991

The SERIND parameter in the TLMSIPO should be set to NO - In case any of these volumes are read the service indicator is not reset.

SERIND System Option -- Use of Out-of-Service Tapes 

Use the SERIND system option to prevent reuse of an out-of-service/scratch-indicated tape by indicating whether TLMS will reset the out-of-service status to in-service when a tape is mounted for input. Out-of-service tapes cannot be used for output regardless of the option setting.
This system option has the following format:

SERIND=[NO|YES]
NO - Specifies that the service indicator is not reset to IN when the tape is opened for input.
YES - (Default) Specifies that type 4 service indicated tapes cannot be used for output. The service indicator is reset.