IBM Z provides advanced AI capabilities for hybrid cloud environments, optimizing performance, security, and decision-making on critical data.
Client
A large Brazilian bank, operating nationally and internationally, structured as a mixed-economy financial institution.
With a presence in thousands of physical service points and a strong digital presence, the institution offers multiple access channels, including internet, mobile, self-service terminals, and telephone service, reaching customers in several countries.
Its mission is aligned with competitiveness, profitability, innovation, and responsibility in the country’s economic development, maintaining operational efficiency and a focus on customer experience.
Challenge
Ensure the integrity and reliability of corporate data stored on tapes (physical or virtual) in the IBM Mainframe environment, under the z/OS operating system.
The bank needed to meet strict financial sector audit requirements, ensuring:
Data authenticity and recoverability
Automation of tape library quality control routines
Clear evidence that information was protected and available for recovery when needed
The goal was to guarantee the institution’s end customers the total security and availability of their data.
Solution
GFS implemented and customized the GFS/TQS — Tape Quality System solution, responsible for modernizing and automating the entire media quality control process. The tool provides management data, audit reports, and continuous monitoring of the use and migration of data stored on tapes (physical or virtual).
The project began with a complete diagnosis of the infrastructure and data volumes in the database. The implementation, carried out in large mainframe environments in different locations, took place over six months.
Among the main technological highlights:
Intensive testing in laboratory, approval, and production environments
Activation of the solution in multiple logical partitions (LPARs) distributed across several Sysplexes
Execution of all stages without any impact on the institution’s critical systems
The solution increased operational efficiency, reduced risks, and provided full visibility and governance over the magnetic media lifecycle.
Benefits
According to an IT analyst at a large Brazilian bank, it is now possible to predict and anticipate data migration needs thanks to the automated selection of tapes that need to be replaced, certified, or retensioned.
This process ensures superior read quality, reduced failures, and total reliability of stored information.
Another notable benefit is complete visibility into media health, providing greater operational security and ensuring that only intact and validated data remains available for use.
Backup Quality
GFS/TQS is a tape certification and monitoring system that ensures the integrity and authenticity of data stored in mainframe environments.
It allows you to:
Automatically identify tapes that have reached the end of their life cycle
Perform periodic retensioning
Automate replacements
Prevent failures before they impact critical operations
Ensure reliable retention for long periods
The system also supports compliance with governance and compliance standards such as Basel II, Sarbanes-Oxley, and ITIL guidelines, ensuring full adherence to financial industry requirements.
Essential Software
GFS Software offers a robust portfolio of essential solutions for mainframe, distributed, and multi-platform environments.
It includes proprietary technologies and those from global partners, offering:
Automation
Data governance
Compliance
Operational efficiency
GFS solutions help companies keep their software libraries aligned with the latest technological and regulatory demands.
About GFS Software
Founded in 1988, GFS Software has been supporting the largest z/OS operations in Brazil for decades, offering world-class solutions focused on modernization, cost reduction, and performance gains.
With extensive experience in mission-critical environments, the company is also an official distributor for global software manufacturers, serving financial institutions, government agencies, and large companies in various segments.