Sterling Software Inc, Dallas, Texas has introduced a VM version of its DMS/OS tape back-up, archival and management system. Sterling claims that DMS/OS, introduced in 1976, is widely perceived as the market leader in the MVS storage world with over 1,600 installations. The VM version is said to offer users improved control over the operating system, particularly in the areas of data security, integrity and recovery; efficient use of disk space; and management of tape files and devices. No more than two tape streams are required to recover a full VM mini-disk – the personal virtual disk drives that are a feature of VM. DMS/VM consists of three products: DMS/VM-Backup, a VM/CMS mini-disk and file backup, restore, and scheduling system; DMS/VM-Archive, which lets users store seldom-used files in a compressed form available for instant recall; and DMS/VM-Tape, a VM tape management system that handles tape drive usage, volume mounts, and can enforce standard tape labels preventing the operating system overwriting a valuable tape. Most of DMS/VM’s functions require only a single command to implement. Access to systems definitions can be controlled and, in the event of the system going down, DMS/VM provides for the automatic recovery of the catalogue in a matter of minutes. DMS/VM is priced from $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the size of the customer’s CPU. The new DMS/VM runs on any IBM or compatible mainframe running VM/SP 3.0, VM/HPO or VM/XA.