What is FATS and what are its primary functions?
FATS is a utility designed for tape management on z/OS systems. It provides functionalities to erase and certify tapes, ensuring data integrity and reusability. The utility is integrated within FATSCOPY.
What specific operations does FATS perform on tapes?
FATS is primarily used for erasing and certifying tapes. The ERASE function securely removes all data from a tape, while the CERTIFY function checks for errors before the tape is put back into use. These functions are essential for data security and tape reliability.
How is FATS related to FATSCOPY?
FATS is integrated within FATSCOPY, which is a broader utility for tape management. FATSCOPY provides a suite of tools, including the erase and certify functions of FATS, to manage tape operations efficiently.
When was FATS first released?
FATS was initially released in 1974. As a legacy product, it has been a part of z/OS tape management for a long time.