The queue database
contains files that store information used to keep the queuing system
operating, including information about jobs, queues, and the queue
manager. The queue database for the default queue manager, SYS$QUEUE_MANAGER,
is made up of the following files:
File
Description
Master file, QMAN$MASTER.DAT
Contains:
The location of the queue and journal files
Definitions of forms and characteristics
A list of queue names
A list of nodes allowed to run the queue manager
A list of queue managers and a list of nodes allowed
to run the queue managers
Queue file, SYS$QUEUE_MANAGER.QMAN$QUEUES
Contains the queue definitions
formed when you create, start, or modify queues.
Journal file, SYS$QUEUE_MANAGER.QMAN$JOURNAL
Contains information allowing the queue
manager to return to the last known state if:
A standalone machine stops unexpectedly
An OpenVMS Cluster node that is running the queue manager
leaves the OpenVMS Cluster environment
The
journal file also contains job definitions.
On systems with multiple queue managers, the queue database
contains an additional queue file and journal file for each additional
queue manager. Additional queue files are named in the format name_of_manager.QMAN$QUEUES.
Additional journal files are named in the format name_of_manager.QMAN$JOURNAL.
Queue Database shows a
queue database containing a master file that lists two queue managers, PRINT_MANAGER
and BATCH_MANAGER. Each queue manager has its own queue and journal
files.
Figure 2 Queue Database
SYS$COMMON:[SYSEXE] is the default location for all queue
database files. However, you can store the files in another location.
The next section explains why and how to do this.
HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual, Volume 1:... 
Managing the Queue Manager and Queue Database
