DFSMSdss can be used to back up data so that it can be recovered in the event of hardware failure, application failure, or user error. DFSMSdss can back up and recover data sets, entire volumes, or specific tracks. The DFSMSdss DUMP command is used to back up tracks, volumes, and data sets, whereas the RESTORE command is used to recover them. DFSMSdss may be used for the following backup functions:

• Back up data on direct-access storage devices (DASD).
• Restore data from the backup if the original becomes lost, damaged, or inadvertently changed.
• Back up application data for vital records purposes and disaster recovery.