XDM
VSAM data
Many enterprises still rely on VSAM and sequential datasets, while deep COBOL and file-format expertise is becoming scarce. XDM adds an abstraction layer on top of VSAM so teams work with structured, database-like views instead of raw records and COBOL programs. This relieves mainframe specialists and lets XDM handle secure, consistent access, masking and provisioning of VSAM test data across environments.
Accessible VSAM data via file bridge and virtual views
XDM ships with a File Bridge Server that is installed on the z/OS host and exposes VSAM and sequential datasets to the XDM platform. On top of these datasets, XDM defines virtual views that behave much like database tables and can be used as sources or targets in tasks. These views are derived from COBOL copybook descriptions, so existing layout definitions become immediately reusable without rewriting programs. Once a view is defined, VSAM records can be browsed, selected, copied, and masked just like rows in a relational table.
Accessible VSAM data via file bridge and virtual views
High-performance data access with mainframe utilities
To handle mainframe-scale volumes efficiently, XDM combines bulk network operations with the DFSORT utility on z/OS. DFSORT is used to process and prepare large record sets directly on the host, minimizing unnecessary data movement. XDM then transfers only the required, preprocessed data through optimized bulk channels instead of row-by-row access. This approach provides the throughput needed for regular refreshes, mass copies, and regression test preparation, even for very large VSAM datasets.
High-performance data access with mainframe utilities
Unified data stream and consistent masking
Character data, numeric fields, and packed decimals from VSAM are mapped to typical database data types within XDM’s unified processing stream. This enables straightforward comparison and integration of VSAM data with relational databases and other platforms, despite differing storage formats. The same masking and transformation rules that you use for Db2, Oracle or SQL Server can be applied consistently to VSAM records as well. As a result, sensitive data is protected end-to-end, and cross-system test scenarios remain coherent and compliant.
Unified data stream and consistent masking
Cross-copy from VSAM to relational databases
Based on the virtual views, XDM can generate DDL for corresponding tables in relational database systems and create compatible target structures automatically. Once the structures exist, the data from VSAM datasets can be copied, transformed, and masked into these tables as part of a single, repeatable process. This makes it easy to bring mainframe data into modern database environments for testing, analytics, or legacy modernization projects. Teams gain controlled, documented data flows from VSAM into their enterprise test data landscape without having to develop custom migration tools.
Cross-copy from VSAM to relational databases
Learn more
Test Data Management
XDM is a complete test data management platform that enhances agile teamwork, automates test data workflows, and supports multiple databases with secure masking.
Mask sensitive data
Secure sensitive data with XDM’s Masking Tool. Protect privacy and ensure compliance with advanced data masking for all environments.