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IBM iSeries (AS400) backup?

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    #1

    IBM iSeries (AS400) backup?

    I am looking for some advice on best practice to backup an AS400 system.

    My background is Windows Servers (I am MCSE) part of my current gig was to project mange the transfer of an AS400 system from Denmark to a new server in the UK. I know nothing about the iSeries (AS400) operating system.


    Most of this work was undertaken by external companies etc and the transfer has gone well. It went live last Monday.

    I was shocked this morning to find the system down to all users – I had to reboot the system to bring up the application.

    Apparently the basic backup script downs the application first before backing up all files to tape. However Wednesdays tape was in the drive and not Thursdays – Due to the incorrect tape the job then failed and never restarted the application. Yeekkk !!!!!!!

    I have a meeting on Monday with the client to go through preventative measures and best practices. This can not happen again.

    Is there any commercial backup software for the iSeries – one with a windows GUI? (I use Backup Exec for the windows servers)

    Is it just a case of scripting the job correctly? – If so there must be examples of a full function backup script – but I can not find one. I will have to commission some one to re write the script

    Any other options?


    Thanking you in advance if you reply to this thread.
    www.stormtrack.co.uk - My Stormchasing website.
    Tags: None
    #2
    Have a look at Tivoli Storage Manager which will have a web based interface and/or a Windows GUI
    “Brexit is having a wee in the middle of the room at a house party because nobody is talking to you, and then complaining about the smell.”

    Comment

      #3
      Firstly, sack the operator. You check your backup jobs have worked - always.

      Second, re-write your backup job to do the following:
      - to send an email if it fails (search for AS400 mailer, it's free - you need to setup the SMTP server on the iSeries, but it's not a massive drama)
      - do the first save to disk (device *SAVF)
      - get the app running again straight after the save to disk
      - save your SAVF to tape in a separate job that doesn't lock the app

      I've never used Tivoli, so can't comment on it's effectiveness but IMO the iOS can do all you want here...
      ‎"See, you think I give a tulip. Wrong. In fact, while you talk, I'm thinking; How can I give less of a tulip? That's why I look interested."

      Comment

        #4
        Like the man says , bin your operator !
        Messages are usually written out to message queue QSYSOPR :
        DSPMSG QSYSOPR and scroll through for the offending item ( or use the "F" keys to view only unanswered messages) .

        The I series has its own job scheduler as part of operating system so you can schedule your own backups using the system commands or your own program.

        You can save to disk ( as mentioned to a SAVF) or to a device ( tape) . You can save ENTIRE system or parts ( data and security info, changed objects only etc ) .
        Read up on command SAVSYS and the options , plus SAVOBJ and SAVLIB

        There is a ton of help on the I series, each command can be prompted and further help on each option ( key in command i.e. SAVOBJ then press F4 key , position on each section and press F4 again. Look at bottom of screen , it will show other "F" keys to give more options/choices. Anything underlined is the default option. )

        Alternatively ......hire me and let me free up some bench space !

        Comment

          #5
          Ooh AS/400, System/36 & 38... takes me back years
          Originally posted by rpgpgmr1 View Post
          The I series has its own job scheduler as part of operating system so you can schedule your own backups using the system commands or your own program.
          WRKJOBSCDE - If I remember right..

          Originally posted by rpgpgmr1 View Post
          You can save to disk ( as mentioned to a SAVF) or to a device ( tape) . You can save ENTIRE system or parts ( data and security info, changed objects only etc ) .
          Read up on command SAVSYS and the options , plus SAVOBJ and SAVLIB
          and NONSYS... although I think a NONSYS is just a SAVOBJ & SAVLIB... but been many years since I touched a 400 so I could be wrong....

          Also, use the command GO BACKUP to take you to the backup menu.... you should be able to work it out what you need to do from the options given there.

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by Mr.Whippy View Post
            Ooh AS/400, System/36 & 38... takes me back years
            WRKJOBSCDE - If I remember right..

            and NONSYS... although I think a NONSYS is just a SAVOBJ & SAVLIB... but been many years since I touched a 400 so I could be wrong....

            Also, use the command GO BACKUP to take you to the backup menu.... you should be able to work it out what you need to do from the options given there.
            SAVLIB *NONSYS, unsurprisingly, saves all of your non-system libraries. It's a bit of a scattergun approach for a daily backup and it takes a while.
            ‎"See, you think I give a tulip. Wrong. In fact, while you talk, I'm thinking; How can I give less of a tulip? That's why I look interested."

            Comment

              #7
              Due to a company separation the client does not currently employ an AS400 operator – in fact there is not any one in IT! (they are recruiting.) – not bad for a 16 millions / year turn over business.

              IBM want to charge me £650 for 0.5 days work to do the following.

              Read tape header at 15:00 and send out alert email if wrong tape is inserted.

              Re script backup job (as recommended by the posters above)

              At 23:00 stop KOM (the application)
              Backup KOM to disk + operating system files
              Restart KOM
              If disk backup OK then
              send “Disk backup success” email
              Else
              send “Disk backup fail” email


              At 01:00
              Is corrected tape in drive?
              Backup backup to disk file to tape (over writing tape)
              If disk backup OK then
              send “Tape backup success” email
              Else
              send “Tape backup fail” email



              Anyone with AS400 skills near to Redditch that will do the above for £400?

              stuart ( at ) stormtrack.co.uk
              www.stormtrack.co.uk - My Stormchasing website.

              Comment

                #8
                Originally posted by Moscow Mule View Post
                SAVLIB *NONSYS, unsurprisingly, saves all of your non-system libraries. It's a bit of a scattergun approach for a daily backup and it takes a while.
                Thats the one.... gotta be approaching 10 years since I logged onto a 400.... so I'm a little rusty

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by wxman View Post
                  Anyone with AS400 skills near to Redditch that will do the above for £400?

                  stuart ( at ) stormtrack.co.uk
                  £650 sounds like a good deal to me if they are going write the 2 CL PGMs and setup your SMTP server too.

                  If I were on the bench, I'd do it fixed price at £400 mates rates...

                  If you don't get any takers, drop me a PM and I'll see if I can help remotely.
                  ‎"See, you think I give a tulip. Wrong. In fact, while you talk, I'm thinking; How can I give less of a tulip? That's why I look interested."

                  Comment

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