It looks like VMARC is more officially supported than is the Pipelines library. 
There is a link for downloading it on the main Packages page; you get it 
directly from IBM. Does that remove any of the stigma?

Regards, 
Richard Schuh 

 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: CMSTSO Pipelines Discussion List 
> [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Paul Gilmartin
> Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 11:44 AM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Distributing a collection of files via Internet
> 
> My VM expertise is stale, and this is the only VM list I read, So:
> 
> What is the current vogue for distributing a collection of 
> files via Internet.  What alternatives, and their pros and cons?
> 
> o At present, we make available VMFPLCD archives flattened with
>    COPYFILE PACK.
>    - Con: slightly cumbersome.  Customer can use PIPE to undo
>      the PACK; is there a VMFPLCD pipeline stage?
> 
> o VMARC: widely used, but requires customer to download and
>    install an unsupported VMARC.  Customers may balk at this.
>    In fact, our own sysprog will install neither VMARC nor the
>    current Pipelines library distribution for general use (I
>    have both privately).
> 
> o VMARC self-extracting archive:
>    - Is there any legal liability if it damages the customer's
>      system?
>    - Is support available?  I'd consider it adequate to have the
>      source code.  I have the VMARC source, circa 1994 (I said
>      "stale").  Is there a newer available?  Where?
> 
> o AWSTAPE:
>    - Supported by Pipelines.
>    - Cumbersome -- requires customer to create a tape interstage.
>      Rumor has it that some shops no longer even have tapes.
> 
> o We have a home-brew archive format that we've long used to
>    move files between VM and MVS.  It's JES-friendly, which
>    mattered at one time.  It would be easy enough to roll this
>    into a Rexx-based self-extracting format.
> 
> o Other: (specify)
> 
> TIA for any suggestions,
> gil
> 

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