This course provides the student with the skills necessary to support and monitor IMS full-function databases. A comprehensive analysis of the physical structures and their operational impact is presented. Classroom exercises reinforce topics presented in lectures.

Senior technical staff, including DBAs, system programmers and senior operations personnel, who require a detailed understanding of the physical organization of IMS full-function databases and their performance implications.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe in detail the different types of IMS database structures, and space management techniques
• Describe the operational and performance implications of the various IMS database structures
• Describe the tools and techniques used in monitoring existing databases

• Sequential and Direct Access Methods (HSAM, HISAM, SHSAM, SHISAM, GSAM, HDAM, HIDAM)
• HDAM Randomizing Parameters
• Pointers (HF, HB, PCF, PCL, TF, TB)
• Dataset Groups
• Unkeyed Segments
• Secondary Indexing
• Logical Relationships
• HALDB
• Tuning Considerations and Tools
• HISAM Reoranization Unload/Reload
• Prefix Resolution/Update
• IMS Tools Solution Packs Overview: Pointer Checker, HD Tuner, HD Physical Sort/Reload

A working knowledge of the IMS database environment. Programming experience is not required.