What is Shrink/VSE?
Shrink/VSE is a data compression utility designed to reduce the storage space required for disk and tape datasets. It operates transparently, meaning applications do not need to be modified to utilize compression. This results in reduced storage costs and faster data transfer times.
How does Shrink/VSE compress data?
Shrink/VSE compresses data using proprietary algorithms optimized for zVSE environments. The compression ratio achieved depends on the type of data being compressed, with text-based data typically achieving higher compression rates than already compressed or binary data.
How does Shrink/VSE integrate with the zVSE operating system?
Shrink/VSE integrates with the zVSE operating system to provide transparent compression. When a dataset is marked for compression, the system automatically compresses data during write operations and decompresses it during read operations. This process is managed by the Shrink/VSE components.
What types of datasets can Shrink/VSE compress?
Shrink/VSE can be used to compress both disk and tape datasets. For disk datasets, it reduces the amount of storage space required. For tape datasets, it reduces the physical tape volume needed, leading to faster backups and restores.