ISAM
Home > Data Center Definitions - ISAM
SearchDataCenter.com Definitions (Powered by WhatIs.com)
EMAIL THIS
LOOK UP TECH TERMS Powered by: WhatIs.com
Search listings for thousands of IT terms:
Browse tech terms alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

ISAM


Show me everything on Mainframe computers

DEFINITION - ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) is a file management system developed at IBM that allows records to be accessed either sequentially (in the order they were entered) or randomly (with an index). Each index defines a different ordering of the records. An employee database may have several indexes, based on the information being sought. For example, a name index may order employees alphabetically by last name, while a department index may order employees by their department. A key is specified in each index. For an alphabetical index of employee names, the last name field would be the key.

ISAM was developed prior to VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) and relational databases.

Learn more about Mainframe computers
Mainframe Management: The modern mainframe: This isn't your gramps' Big Iron. Mainframe management has evolved dramatically over the past few years.
Roadmap to mainframe application modernization: In a three-part series, Infostructure Associates president Wayne Kernochan outlines a modernization path for business-critical applications in an existing mainframe environment.
Top five mainframe tips: Data center pros are asking questions about the expanding role mainframes play in the business.
Mainframe Management: The modern mainframe: This isn't your gramps' Big Iron. Mainframe management has evolved dramatically over the past few years.
Using CICS dump tables to manage problems in online systems: The CICS dump table feature can be useful for diagnosing and managing problems in online systems when the information you need isn't available through default channels.
High mainframe software costs may lead to platform's demise: Are mainframe software costs too high or does software productivity and reduced labor costs lead to lower mainframe total cost of ownership (TCO)?
Manage CICS workloads with transaction classes: Using transaction classes is a great way to manage CICS workloads that come in unpredictable increments. Learn how to use transaction classes and get examples in this tip.
Run CICS in batch to beat a shrinking batch window: As batch windows are getting shorter, it becomes harder to run traditional VSAM-based CICS systems. Try running CICS in batch as a low-cost solution.

LAST UPDATED: 02 Nov 2005

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com





FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST
File Extension and File Format List:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #


RELATED CONTENT
The mainframe is 45 years old
In the early 1960s, IBM took a risk to develop the System/360, the precursor to the modern mainframe. Over 45 years later, IBM can point to unbroken...
Using CICS dump tables to manage problems in online systems
The CICS dump table feature can be useful for diagnosing and managing problems in online systems when the information you need isn't available through...
High mainframe software costs may lead to platform's demise
Are mainframe software costs too high or does software productivity and reduced labor costs lead to lower mainframe total cost of ownership (TCO)?

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
ACF2  (SearchDataCenter.com)
Calibrated Vectored Cooling  (SearchDataCenter.com)




Data Center Decisions: Lights-Out or Managed Data Center?
Find ISAM Solutions for your Data Center
HomeNewsTopicsITKnowledge ExchangeTipsBlogsMultimediaWhite PapersEvents
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2005 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts