Organizations are increasingly seeking ways to share valuable mainframe data in open formats without sacrificing integrity or performance. One common challenge they face is making VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) data accessible to SQL-based applications, such as Db2 on z/OS. Rather than undergoing a complete migration, many organizations choose to share their transactional VSAM data with SQL-based platforms to leverage industry-standard tools and advanced query capabilities. With our VSAM to Db2 Conversion solution, VirtualZ streamlines VSAM to Db2 conversions, making VSAM data instantly available to Db2. Based on PropelZ™, this no-code ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) solution simplifies the process of accessing VSAM data using SQL with minimal configuration and effort.
Why Share VSAM Data with Db2?
By facilitating data sharing between VSAM and Db2, businesses can leverage industry-standard tools, integrate with cloud environments, and streamline data access, all while maintaining their reliable mainframe infrastructure.
Utilizing Db2 as a relational database provides several advantages for businesses:
- Powerful SQL Querying: Leverage SQL for efficient querying and data manipulation.
- Access to Non-Mainframe Applications: Enable SQL-based applications that aren’t running on the mainframe to access vital data.
- Enhanced Analytics and Reporting: Utilize SQL-based tools to improve analytics and reporting capabilities.
- Cross-Platform Integration: Facilitate integration between VSAM and SQL platforms without the need for a full migration of all applications.
With PropelZ, organizations can make their VSAM data accessible to modern SQL-based applications without the need for a full migration. Instead of committing to a complete migration — which would necessitate rewriting every application tied to VSAM — businesses can benefit from partial replication, allowing them to share data between VSAM and SQL platforms for smoother integration with modern applications.
How PropelZ Simplifies VSAM to Db2 Sharing
PropelZ automates the process of making VSAM data accessible in Db2 on z/OS or any other JDBC-enabled database. By treating Db2 as just another SQL database target, PropelZ removes the need for complex coding or custom migration scripts.
Here’s how it works:
- Configuring PropelZ for Db2: PropelZ connects to Db2 using IBM’s Db2 JDBC driver. Whether Db2 is running on the same z/OS system or elsewhere in the network, PropelZ seamlessly interacts with it to enable automated data transfers from VSAM files.
- Handling Data Types and Structures: PropelZ uses customer-provided metadata (like COBOL copybooks) to map VSAM fields to Db2 columns. It automates adjustments for any data type differences, ensuring that data is accurately transferred into Db2.
- Automating the ETL Process: PropelZ automates the extraction, transformation, and loading of VSAM data into Db2 without requiring manual intervention. It can run from the command line, within scripts, or through standard z/OS JCL, and can be scheduled or run on-demand.
Step-by-Step Process for Using PropelZ to Share VSAM Data with Db2
- Setup the Db2 JDBC Driver
Configure PropelZ to communicate with Db2 using the Db2 JDBC driver. Customers can control the data types, custom column names, and indexing during this setup. - Provide Metadata
PropelZ utilizes metadata, such as COBOL copybooks, to map VSAM fields to corresponding Db2 table columns. This mapping process ensures that VSAM data is transformed and ready for Db2. - Automate the Process
Run PropelZ using command-line scripts, z/OS JCL, or other automation tools to initiate the data-sharing process. PropelZ can perform incremental updates, efficiently handling large VSAM files in sections or syncing new records periodically.
Benefits of Using PropelZ for VSAM to Db2 Data Sharing
- No-Code Simplicity: PropelZ automates the process without requiring extensive coding, making it easy to share VSAM data with SQL platforms.
- Flexibility: PropelZ treats Db2 as just another SQL database, allowing users to leverage Db2’s advanced capabilities with minimal configuration.
- Cost Efficiency: PropelZ runs on System Z zIIP processors, significantly reducing mainframe utilization costs.
- Incremental Updates: PropelZ can manage incremental migrations, updating Db2 with new VSAM records as they are added, ensuring the process is both efficient and scalable.
Conclusion
With PropelZ, organizations can make their VSAM data accessible to modern SQL-based applications without the need for a full migration. By facilitating data sharing between VSAM and Db2, businesses can leverage industry-standard tools, integrate with cloud environments, and streamline data access—all while maintaining their reliable mainframe infrastructure.
If you’re looking to enhance data access and modernize your mainframe environment, PropelZ offers a scalable, no-code solution tailored to your business needs.