After much frustration, mainly attributed to missing documentation, I learned that the FTP syntax is entirely different on MVS than on the PC. Basically you can not do file transfers and the like; just limited 'put' statements within a datastep.

SAS-L@VTVM1.BITNET on 01/26/99 01:27:56 PM Please respond to msz03@HEALTH.STATE.NY.US @ INTERNET

To: SAS-L@VTVM1 @ INTERNET cc:

Subject: FTP Access Method on MVS

Hi. We recently upgraded to version 6.09 TS460 on MVS, making the FTP

file access method available. It's labeled 'experimental' and my experience bears that out! Has anyone tried this on MVS, i.e. transfer of files to/from a PC? I tried two different FTP servers on the PC to see if the problems were on the PC side rather than with SAS on MVS. The problems persist with both...

ANONYMOUS login freezes the program on MVS

though the SAS LOG indicates all records are transferred, the FTP log labels the transfer unsuccessful and NOT ALL records are transferred

<more>

The 'old fashioned way' of having SAS write to disk on MVS first, then using a free-standing FTP program to transfer files works like a charm.

Any comments? Thanks.