New Dataset Attributes Database Collector

The new Dataset Attributes Database Collector is an update to version 5.4.0 of OMEGAMON for Storage installed via APARS OA53347 and OA53348. It provides significant resource optimization by updating the database when a collection runs rather than replacing it. Additionally, the incremental collection will apply VTOC change records to the database at a user defined interval (See configuration page for details) . This will keep most attributes in the database current without the overhead of reading VTOCs for all volumes.

To enable incremental collection, the storage agent must be running on every system in the sysplex and must have this latest version installed on each image. This does not mean that the collection must be started on each image, only installed. Incremental updates are controlled dynamically when all systems in the sysplex are both running the storage agent and configured with this new version; it is not necessary for the user to configure this. Incremental collection is initiated when a Dataset Attributes Database collection is started. This is typically done on only one of your systems.

Deployment scenarios

  1. Storage agent is running on all systems in a sysplex: Collection will be configured for one agent, and that agent will receive incremental updates from all agents in the sysplex. If an agent is restarted or shut down or there is a collection error, then the behavior of the system will be as described in the next scenario.
  2. Storage agent is running on some systems in a sysplex: Incremental collection is disabled. Only a full collection is possible.

The collection of dataset attributes has been optimized so that the user will see a significant resource reduction even when all systems are not executing the new version. In this case, each collection will result in a complete rebuild of the database; however, the resources required to do this will show improvement from the previous version.

Additionally, the building of dataset attribute groups has been greatly improved. There will be a significant reduction in the CPU utilized when running this new version.