Converting Data In-Place

DFSMSdss's CONVERTV function verifies that the following volume-level and data set-level requirements are met before placing the volume under system management:

Verifies that the volume is in a valid storage group in the active SMS configuration
Verifies that the volume contains an indexed VTOC
Verifies that the volume is online
Determines the eligibility of all data sets on the volume to be system-managed. The following data sets are ineligible for system management:
- ISAM data sets
- Absolute track allocated data sets
- Unmovable data sets
- GDG pattern DSCBs
- Data sets cataloged in multiple catalogs
- Data sets that are currently open
- VSAM spheres, if all components are not defined in the same catalog
- Multivolume data sets that have parts on volumes with the following criteria:
  - Do not have an indexed VTOC
  - Are not online
  - Are not defined in a storage group or are not in the same storage group

CONVERTV then allocates a VVDS if one does not already exist. CONVERTV also updates the basic catalog structure (BCS) and VVDS with the SMS storage and management classes assigned by your ACS routines for data sets that meet SMS eligibility requirements.

If the volume and data sets do not meet all SMS requirements, DFSMSdss sets the volume's physical status to initial. This status lets data sets be accessed, but not extended. New allocations on the volume are prohibited. If all requirements are met, DFSMSdss sets the volume status to converted.

Use the following required steps to prepare for in-place data conversion:

Design your SMS configuration including classes, groups, and ACS routines.
Determine how your DASD volumes should be assigned to SMS storage groups.
Determine if your volumes and data sets are eligible for system management, and remove any ineligible ones.
Stabilize the volumes prior to placing them under system management.
Place the volumes under system management.
Evaluate the results.
Revert back if necessary.