You can use the FlashCopy feature to create consistent backups of dynamic data and test applications, and to create copies for auditing purposes and for data mining.
To create consistent backups of dynamic data, use the FlashCopy feature to capture the data at a particular time. The resulting image of the data can be backed up, for example, to a tape device. When the copied data is on tape, the data on the FlashCopy target disks become redundant and can now be discarded. Usually in this backup condition, the target data can be managed as read-only.
It is often very important to test a new version of an application with real business data before the existing production version of the application is updated or replaced. This testing reduces the risk that the updated application fails because it is not compatible with the actual business data that is in use at the time of the update. Such an application test might require write access to the target data.
You can also use the FlashCopy feature to create restart points for long running batch jobs. This means that if a batch job fails several days into its run, it might be possible to restart the job from a saved copy of its data rather than rerunning the entire multiday job.