IMS High Performance Image Copy

The architecture of IMS High Performance Image Copy (HPIC) centers around the Image Copy utility, which is the core component responsible for creating image copies of IMS databases. This utility interacts with the IMS database datasets and writes the image copy to specified output datasets. The process is initiated through JCL, where users define the input and output datasets, and specify control statements to indicate the database to be copied.

The Image Copy utility uses the `DFSUDMP0` program to perform the copy operations. Communication between the Image Copy utility and the IMS database occurs through the z/OS operating system and IMS control blocks. HPIC utilizes VSAM for data storage.

The Database Recovery utility is another key component, using the image copies created by HPIC for database recovery. HPIC does not expose APIs. Security is managed through z/OS security features, such as RACF, to control access to datasets and JCL.

Audit logging is provided through z/OS system logs and HPIC-specific messages. HPIC's focus is on efficient image copy creation and recovery, unlike some competitors that offer broader database management features. HPIC's design prioritizes performance and minimal downtime during backup operations.