HP StorageWorks XP Remote Web Console Software - Manual (Page 17)

1 Overview of Universal Replicator
for z/OS
This chapter provides an overview of the Hitachi Universal Replicator software and describes its features
and benefits.
Hitachi Universal Replicator for z/OS® (URz)
The Universal Replicator for z/OS® (URz) feature enables you to create and maintain duplicate copies of
all user data stored on the distant XP disk array subsystem for data duplication, backup, and disaster
recovery purposes. This will enable you to recover your valuable data and protect them from the disaster,
e.g. an earthquake, a fire, or the system failure. URz for the mainframe systems provides asynchronous
copy modes to accommodate a wide variety of user requirements and data copy/movement scenarios.
Reliable data storage and recovery systems are essential in today’s market climate where downtime can
be very costly. Businesses must manage increasing amounts of data across a variety of storage systems
and operating environments in various locations, while optimizing usage of storage hardware resources
and minimizing the management burden.
URz operations are non-disruptive and allow the primary data volume of each URz volume pair to
remain online to all hosts for both read and write I/O operations. Once established, URz operations
continue unattended to provide continuous, real-time data backup. By establishing the primary data
volumes and secondary data volumes on the different subsystems, you can perform the asynchronous
operations remotely. For fibre-channel connection, URz operations can be performed across distances of
up to 30 km (18.6 miles) using single-mode long-wave optical fibre cables in a switch configuration.
Long-distance solutions are provided, based on user requirements and workload characteristics, using
approved channel extenders and communication lines. URz operations can also be performed by
using Business Continuity Manager.
When UR is used, data to be copied will be temporarily stored in journal volumes, which are a type
of logical volumes. UR enables you to configure and manage highly reliable data replication systems,
by using journal volumes to reduce chances of suspension of copy operations; copy operations can be
suspended due to restrictions on data transfers from the primary site to the secondary site.
The FICON™ host interface can be used to connect URz. For setting the connections to enable remote
copy operations using the FICON™ host interface, you must set the path configuration carefully. The
following table lists the possible path configurations and indicates which combinations are supported.
Table 1 URz Configuration with FICON™ Host Interface
Channel – MCU MCU – RCU Supported?
FICON™ ESCON® No
FICON™ Fibre-channel Yes
NOTE:
The configuration of FICON™ for channel-MCU paths and ESCON® for MCU-RCU paths is not
supported, because the bandwidth of FICON™ is greater than that of ESCON® interface. If FICON™ is
used for channel-MCU paths, use fibre-channel interface for the MCU-RCU paths.
URz operations can be performed in conjunction with Hitachi ShadowImage for z/OS® operations to
provide multiple internal copies of URz volumes. URz also supports the Virtual LVI/LUN and Cache
Hitachi Universal Replicator for z/OS user guide for XP12000/XP10000 Disk Arrays and SVS 200 17