Abstract: A method is disclosed for extending data Areas in a DEDB database while the database is online. Specifically, the IOVF and SDEP data portions can be increased or extended while the database is active to the control region. In one embodiment, the method includes (a) receiving a requested extension size; (b) acquiring additional storage from the operating system; (c) formatting the acquired additional storage as DEDB control intervals; and (d) updating a DEDB areas control list (DMAC) to reflect the increased size of the DEDB Areas. While these actions are performed, regions of the data areas currently holding data are not modified and remain available for normal DEDB activity. When block level sharing is enabled, the current IMS process notifies the other IMS processes engaged in block level sharing to prepare for the extension of the DEDB areas prior to the acquisition of additional storage from the operating system.

Abstract: Techniques to allocate storage space for database data sets based on the database's internal/logical boundaries is described. Metadata describing the structure and logical size requirements for various database sections are interrogated and used to guide the allocation of physical storage space on one or more storage devices. Data set extents allocated in symmetry with database internal boundaries can improve the physical database's input-output performance and storage device utilization.