Using an access increment number to control a duration during which tracks remain in cache

A system for managing tracks in a storage in a cache, comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory including a cache;
• a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therein that when executed performs operations, the operations comprising:
• receiving an application access increment number provided by an application for a track in the cache, wherein the application access increment number comprises one of a plurality of values used to control a duration during which the track is maintained in the cache;
• in response to a request for the track in the cache, incrementing an access value for the track by the application access increment number;
• and
• using the access value for the track in the cache to determine whether to demote the track from the cache.

A method for managing tracks in a storage in a cache, comprising:

• receiving an application access increment number provided by an application for a track in the cache, wherein the application access increment number comprises one of a plurality of values used to control a duration during which the track is maintained in the cache;
• in response to a request for the track in the cache, incrementing an access value for the track by the application access increment number;
• and
• using the access value for the track in the cache to determine whether to demote the track from the cache.