EPIC

EPIC's architecture is centered around the zVSE/VSEn operating system. It leverages the existing VSE/ESA catalog management facilities and security infrastructure. The main components include the command processor, the tape management module, and the dataset management module.

These components communicate through standard VSE/ESA system calls and inter-program communication mechanisms. Data is stored on disk and tape volumes managed by VSE/ESA. EPIC uses configuration files to define storage pools, tape libraries, and backup policies.

These files specify parameters such as retention periods, compression options, and tape drive allocations. The system supports various tape formats, including 3480, 3490, 3590, and LTO cartridges. Integration with other systems is typically achieved through command-line scripting or by invoking EPIC commands from within VSE/ESA batch jobs.

While EPIC does not expose standard APIs like REST or SOAP, its tight integration with the zVSE/VSEn environment provides a streamlined and efficient solution for disk and tape management. Competitors include CA-Disk and FDR, but EPIC's focus remains on optimized performance within the VSE environment.