Tape automation with ibm e server xseries servers redp0415

Front cover

Tape Automation
with IBM
xSeries Servers
Selecting an IBM xSeries automated
tape solution to meet your needs

Setting up Tivoli Storage Manager,
ARCserve, and Backup Exec

Includes the new 3600 LTO
autoloader and library series

Wim Feyants
David Brown
Frank Schallmoser

ibm.com/redbooks Redpaper

International Technical Support Organization

Tape Automation with IBM ^ xSeries Servers

December 2001

Take Note! Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general
information in “Special notices” on page 107.

First Edition (December 2001)

This edition applies to tape subsystems supported by IBM for connection to IBM ^ xSeries servers.

Comments may be addressed to:
IBM Corporation, International Technical Support Organization
Dept. HZ8 Building 662
P.O. Box 12195
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2195

When you send information to IBM, you grant IBM a non-exclusive right to use or distribute the information in
any way it believes appropriate without incurring any obligation to you.

© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2001. All rights reserved.
Note to U.S Government Users - Documentation related to restricted rights - Use, duplication or disclosure is subject to restrictions set
forth in GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

iv Tape Automation with IBM ^ xSeries Servers

Contents

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
The team that wrote this Redpaper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
IBM trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Comments welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Chapter 1. Deciding on a tape library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Do I need a tape library? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Tape library selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3.1 Tape library capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3.2 Number of tape drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 2. Library Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1.1 Linear Tape Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.1.2 Super Digital Linear Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.2 IBM 3600 automation products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2.1 IBM 3600 Series 900 GB/1.8 TB LTO Tape Autoloader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.2.2 IBM 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO Tape Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3 IBM 3502 DLT automation products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3.1 IBM 280/560 GB DLT Tape Autoloader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3.2 IBM 490/980 GB DLT Tape Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.4 IBM 4mm automation product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.4.1 IBM 120/240 GB DDS/4 4mm Autoloader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.5 Tape library comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.5.1 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.5.2 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.5.3 Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.5.4 Scalability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.5.5 Form factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.5.6 Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.5.7 Additional features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.5.8 Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.6 Supported solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Chapter 3. Software configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.1 Tivoli Storage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.1.1 Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
3.1.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
3.1.3 Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3.1.4 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
3.1.5 Other tape usages within Tivoli Storage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
3.2 VERITAS Backup Exec for Windows 2000 / NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
3.2.1 Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
3.2.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
3.2.3 Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2001 v

3.2.4 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
3.3 CA BrightStor ARCserve 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
3.3.1 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
3.3.2 Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
3.3.3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Chapter 4. Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
4.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
4.2 Business recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
4.3 System recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
4.3.1 Tivoli Disaster Recovery Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
4.3.2 Bare Metal Restore for TSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
4.3.3 BrightStor ARCserve Disaster Recovery Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
4.3.4 VERITAS Backup Exec Intelligent Disaster Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
4.3.5 St. Bernard Open File Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
4.3.6 BrightStor ARCserve backup agent for open files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
4.3.7 VERITAS Backup Exec Open File Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
4.4 Application recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
4.5 Data recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Appendix A. TSM element numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
IBM 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO Tape Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
IBM 3600 Series 900 GB/1.8 TB LTO Tape Autoloader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
IBM 3502-x14 DLT Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
IBM 3502-108 DLT Autoloader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
IBM 120/240 GB DDS/4 Autoloader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Related publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ....... ...... ...... 105
IBM Redbooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ....... ...... ...... 105
Other resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ....... ...... ...... 105
Referenced Web sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ....... ...... ...... 105
How to get IBM Redbooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ....... ...... ...... 106
IBM Redbooks collections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ....... ...... ...... 106

Special notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

vi Tape Automation with IBM ^ xSeries Servers

Preface

This Redpaper describes the current line of IBM xSeries tape automation products. These
include the already existent 3502 DLT and DDS/4 series, as well as the new 3600 LTO series.
We will discuss the need for tape products and libraries in particular, as well as give you
library selection criteria.

After describing the current products in details and positioning them to each other, we will
provide information on how to use the tape libraries in conjunction with leading backup
software. These include IBM’s Tivoli Storage Manager, CA ARCserve and Veritas Backup
Exec.

The team that wrote this Redpaper
This Redpaper was produced by a team of specialists from around the world working at the
International Technical Support Organization, Raleigh Center.

Wim Feyants is an IT Specialist working for IBM Global Services in Belgium. He is a certified
Tivoli Storage Manager consultant and instructor. He has over six years’ experience in
supporting and implementing Tivoli Storage Manager solutions, and has in-depth knowledge
of tape systems and Storage Area Networks. His previous ITSO publications include the
Netfinity Tape Solutions, SG24-5218 and Using Tivoli Storage Manager in a SAN
environment, SG24-6132.

David Brown is a pre-sales Technical Specialist for xSeries Techline in the UK. His areas of
expertise include storage and SAP solutions on xSeries. Before joining Techline, David
worked as a Service Engineer with IBM Global Services. He has been with IBM for over five
years. David is a Microsoft Certified Professional.

Frank Schallmoser is a level 2 support specialist for IBM-Intel based servers and has
specialized in tape products and backup software. He holds a degree in applied Physics
from the Technical High School of Aachen department Juelich (Germany) and the
University of Coventry (UK). Before he joined IBM UK in 1996, he worked for an IT
company in Germany, setting up hardware, software and administrating Novell and UNIX
networks. He is a co-author of IBM Tape Solutions for Storage Area Networks and FICON,
SG24-5474.

Thanks to the following people for their contributions to this project:

Steve Russell
ITSO Specialist, xSeries, IBM ITSO Raleigh Center, IBM

Gail Christensen
ITSO Editor, IBM ITSO Raleigh Center, IBM

Paul Chenger
xSeries Technology Lab, IBM Raleigh

John Gates
xSeries Storage Development, IBM Raleigh

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2001 vii

Ron Hevener
xSeries Tape Options test, IBM Raleigh

Notice
This publication is intended to help storage and system administrators who are interested in
or installing the current range of xSeries tape automation products.

IBM trademarks
The following terms are trademarks of the International Business Machines Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries:
AFS® Redbooks™
AIX® Redbooks Logo™
DB2® S/390®
DFS™ Sequent®
e (logo)® Tivoli®
Enterprise Storage Server™ WebSphere®
FICON™ xSeries™
IBM® z/OS™
Informix™ Lotus®
Magstar® Notes®
MVS™ Domino™
Netfinity®

Comments welcome
Your comments are important to us!

We want our papers to be as helpful as possible. Send us your comments about this
Redpaper or other Redbooks in one of the following ways:
Use the online Contact us review Redbook form found at:
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Mail your comments to the address on page ii.

viii Tape Automation with IBM ^ xSeries Servers

1

Chapter 1. Deciding on a tape library
This chapter introduces the advantages and disadvantages of tape automation products. We
look at the advantages of tape media compared to other removable media, and explain why
tape automation products can help in reducing the total cost of ownership of your IT
protection environment.

In a second part, sizing and selecting a tape library is discussed. Establishing the correct
capacity and performance requirements for a tape library can be very challenging. We look at
different points that should be take into account, and provide some sizing examples.

1.1 Introduction
Tape media has a long history of offering high capacity at low cost when it comes to storing
data. In the current storage environment, however, tape is becoming increasingly under
pressure from other technologies. Storage devices such as CD-ROM drives, optical drives
and hard disks have become dramatically cheaper, and these have some potential
advantages for delivering reduced hardware costs for a backup solution.

For many users, however, tape continues to be the media of choice, since it delivers features
that are not available in the alternatives. These include:
Lowest cost per bit of storage
Tape media has an estimated cost of less than $5 per GB.
Highest capacity per unit
Comparing tape media to CD-R shows a massively higher capacity. For example an LOT
cartridge is capable of holding 100 GB of data. Stored on CD-R media, this would require
a total of 170 CDs.

In the past, it has been assumed that tape media are unstable and slow. Where this was
certainly true a few years ago, new technologies have dramatically improved reliability and
performance.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2001 1

Uses for tape devices differ, but most of them can be placed in the Storage Management
arena of an enterprise. Storage management includes several disciplines, including:
Data protection
Data archiving
Space management

Data protection is probably the best known and most often implemented part of storage
management. It includes backing up data, providing insurance against data loss. In today’s
Intel server world there is a lot of information available on how to increase system reliability
and availability. There are many solutions that help achieve this, including cluster solutions,
RAID array solutions and Storage Area Networks (SAN). However, where these solutions
provide assurance for system component failure, they do not protect against data loss due to
application failures, human error or viruses. For this reason it is important that you have a
backup strategy to provide the possibility to recover your data in the event of a failure.
Backups not only secure your current data but also allow you the possibility to recover
previous files that have been overwritten by newer versions.

Data archiving is used to provide long term storage for important data. Most companies treat
data from a legal point of view. Keeping that data in online storage such as disks is not the
proper solution, due to high management costs. A better solution would be to place the data
in offline storage, such as tapes. Important when implementing archive solutions is media
stability. Tape media currently have an estimated life expectancy of 10 to 20 years, depending
on the technology and storage conditions. Where this is enough for some documents, others
might require longer retention periods. In that case, other data carriers like optical media,
microfilm or even paper still need to be considered. A consideration for long-term storage is a
factor called technology obsolescence. This indicates the possible problems that might arise
when you are required to read a tape that has been created 20 years ago. Will you still have
the required hardware available? Will it still work?

Short-term archiving on the other hand is much more common, and ideally suited for low-cost
storage. Imagine the case where you want to keep project data for a couple of years, but do
not want to place it in online storage. In that case, tape media are ideal, especially when
combined with archiving management software.

Another, less common use of tape media is space management. The main purpose of space
management is similar to short-term archiving of data. Both move unused or infrequently
used data from disk storage to tape. The main difference is how moved data is handled. In the
archiving solution, retrieving the data involves interaction with the storage manager. The user
will need to request a retrieve of his archive data in order to consult it. With space
management, this process becomes transparent to the user. When he requests his data, the
space management software will automatically detect that it concerns migrated data. Next,
the software will automatically recall the data from tape storage back to disk, where it can be
consulted. The only inconvenience for the user requesting the data will be that it’s a bit slower
to get his data. That is why most space management software use certain rules, for example
the last access date, before moving data.

Space management has been used for years on mainframe systems, such as MVS. In the
open world, it has become more and more popular. When considering tape devices as
secondary storage for space management, the most important factor is the data access time.
This will typically require smaller capacity, but faster tape technology.

2 Tape Automation with IBM ^ xSeries Servers

1.2 Do I need a tape library?
The information in this section should help you to come to a decision on what type of tape
product you require, whether this be a single tape drive or automated tape solution.
Automated tape products are usually seen in two forms, the autoloader or the library. The
autoloader is usually defined by the fact that it has only one tape drive. Another characteristic
is the limited number of tape cartridges it can hold. The tape library has the same functionality
as the autoloader, but it can host several tape drives and a much larger amount of tape
cartridges. To make it easier, in the following discussion we refer to both of them as a tape
library.

Note: Although this Redpaper describes in detail only the available xSeries tape solutions,
IBM offers a wide range of tape products, from entry level LTO, DLT and Magstar products
to high-end enterprise libraries (3584 LTO and 3494 Magstar).

When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of a tape library compared to manual
tape drive implementation, the first topic will be cost. Although a tape library will have a higher
initial cost than a single tape drive, it is the overall operational cost that needs to be
considered. If you think about single-drive operations, you typically see a manual tape media
replacement every day. In the worst case, however, you will outgrow the capacity of a single
tape volume, requiring tape media replacements overnight. It is easily understandable that
this is a costly operation. A solution without a tape library would be to add a second
stand-alone drive, doubling the capacity without human intervention. Where this might look
like viable solutions, think about some of the downsides:
Where will you install the second tape device? Most current systems do not have the
physical space to add a second tape drive, meaning that an external enclosure will be
required.
The cost of a second tape drive just to add capacity might be high. When comparing
prices of tape libraries and tape devices, the additional cost of a tape library is typically
around the price of a tape drive (high-end libraries differ from this equation). This means
that two stand-alone tape drives would typically cost as much as a library with one drive.
The complexity of manually managing two tape devices (times the number of systems
equipped with tape devices) might lead to human errors.

The tape library will solve this capacity problem by providing a seamless, automatic transition
from one tape cartridge to another, without the need for human intervention.

Also, the way media are handled is relative to their stability and reliability. Typically, mounting
a tape cartridge in a single tape devices stresses the tape (tension, physical contact). With a
single tape drive, media will typically be loaded by the end of business hours, allowing a
nightly backup, and be unloaded the next morning. By automating this, the time the tape is
mounted will be reduced to its required value, thus reducing possible media failures.

Another advantage of a library is its scalability. Tape libraries typically offer the possibility to
add tape devices, or sometimes cartridge slots, increasing the capacity and performance of
the tape library.

This leads us to the second major advantage of tape libraries when compared to single tape
devices: performance. The number of tape devices is in direct relationship with the possible
performance of a tape library. A question that can be asked is: does a tape library with two
drives offer higher performance than two stand-alone tape drives? The answer is that there is
no difference. But, keep the above discussion in mind: capacity plays an even more important

Chapter 1. Deciding on a tape library 3

role. If you require capacity that is larger than the one that fits on a single data cartridge, you
will need two stand-alone drives. If you then need to double your performance, the resulting
number of single tape devices is four. The same performance and capacity combination can
be obtained by selecting a two-drive tape library, leading to a less expensive solution.

A final but very important factor is centralization. As discussed above, tape libraries are the
ideal solution for implementations that require high-capacity, high-performance backup
devices. This allows to consolidate stand-alone tape backup solutions to a central backup
server using a tape library. Advantages include lower operational and maintenance costs,
better control and less need for backup skills. Instead of having the system administrators
handle their own backup, one central service can manage the entire backup process.

One of the disadvantages of a tape library compared to a single drive is its complexity in
setup and management. Managing a tape library in an efficient way will call for more
advanced software than that available in the operating system. However, these products
typically add functions that simplify backup and tape management, making them a
requirement for medium to large backup implementations.

1.3 Tape library selection
In this section, we look at some points that will help you in selecting the appropriate type of
tape library or autoloader. These points mainly include the number of slots and the number of
drives. There are some other features that might be important in selecting a library.
Chapter 2, “Library Overview” on page 9 will provide you with a list of these additional
features. They include connectivity possibilities, barcode scanners and input/output slots.

Choosing the correct technology for your environment is also a very important step. However,
this choice is mainly linked to capacity and performance requirements. The technology will
become an additional variable in the capacity and performance calculations below.

1.3.1 Tape library capacity
Calculating the required capacity of a tape library is very important. It should include several
factors, some more easily determined than others. Capacity of a library can be specified
using two figures: the number of cartridges and the storage capacity of these cartridges. A
first step in determining your capacity is to know which of the above two factors will be the
determining one for your environment.

An example of a backup that is oriented towards the number of cartridges would be a solution
where you want to back up data from one day on one cartridge. If combined with the need to
hold one week’s worth of backups in one library, this would mean that you require at least
seven cartridges or slots in the library.

Solutions more oriented towards total capacity are those where all backup data resides in the
library at all times. The sum of the capacity of all cartridges should be greater than the
expected amount of data that will be backed up.

Unfortunately, sizing isn’t always that easy. It strongly depends on the types of uses of your
library, the software product and the type of data that will be backed up. In addition, data
tends to grow. This means that when calculating your required capacity, you should include a
growth factor.

The following sections provide you with some examples on which you can base your
calculations. It is, however, advisable that you crosscheck your calculations with backup
software and hardware experts before finalizing the decision.


Sizing with tape rotation
Will you use a tape rotation scheme, based on a full/incremental or full/differential pattern? If
yes, what is the period between two full backups, and how long do you want to keep your
tapes in the library? The following is an example of calculating required library capacity.

You intend to make a daily backup, using separate tapes per day, except for the weekend,
where the backup for Saturday and Sunday is placed on the same tape or tapes. You want to
keep this data for two weeks. Next, you must determine if the daily backup fits on one single
tape. At this point, the backup strategy becomes very important. You could choose between a
daily full backup, a full backup with intermittent differentials or a full backup with intermittent
incremental backups. We will use the following assumptions:
A full backup requires two tape volumes. This assumption implies that you have decided
on a certain tape technology, knowing the capacity of a single cartridge.
Daily data change is 15%. This means that an incremental backup would require 10% of
the full backup capacity.
During the weekend, change is equal to one weekday (meaning 15% for the entire
weekend).
You base your strategy on a weekly full backup on Monday.

The following table gives an overview of the different possibilities.
Table 1-1 Calculating library capacity
Day Full Full/Incremental Full/Differential

Required Number of Required Required Number of Number of
capacity tape capacity capacity tape tape
cartridges cartridges cartridges

Monday 2 2 2 2 2 2

Tuesday 2 2 0.3 1 0.3 1

Wednesday 2 2 0.3 1 0.6 1

Thursday 2 2 0.3 1 0.9 1

Friday 2 2 0.3 1 1.2 2

Saturday 2 2 0.3 1 1.5 2
Sunday

Total 12 7 11
Cartridges
required

The above table leads us to the following results:
When you do a daily full backup, you will need to have 12 slots for a weekly change of the
tapes.
When doing a full/incremental backup, you only need 7 slots. This means that a 14 slot
library could hold two weeks of backup.

A final step in this example is to take the cleaning cartridge into account. This cartridge will
take up one slot, which needs to be added to the total number of tape slots.


Sizing for online media
A second example is the case of an always online solution for your tape media. This example
can typically be used for a Tivoli Storage Manager implementation (see 3.1, “Tivoli Storage
Manager” on page 31). This solution implies that the software manages your tapes, cleaning
them when they become empty. By doing this, tapes become available for overwrite
operations. Let’s start from the following backup strategy:
A full backup requires one tape. Only the first backup is a full backup. All the other backups
will be incremental backups.
An incremental backup equals 10% of a full backup.
You keep five versions of a file.
There is no requirement to place daily incremental backups on separate cartridges,
meaning that you can use cartridge to almost 100%.

The first approach is the best case scenario: one full backup, plus a daily incremental, which
keeps five versions. This means that you need 1 cartridge, and four days of 10% of the full
backup, meaning 0.4 cartridges. This totals to 1.4 cartridges in total.

There is one factor however that is not taken into account in the previous calculation, namely
the fact that the 10%¨daily change may not be equal to the 10% change of previous days. And
this leads us to the worst case scenario: what if the 10% daily backup represents different
data each day? In that case, the required capacity over time would be equal to two times the
total required capacity, totaling two cartridges.

The above two examples should indicate the difficulty in sizing a library. There are numerous
different variables, each playing their role in the final required capacity. That is why the actual
decision on a correct library size should be preceded by a study of the required backup
strategy and environmental data.

1.3.2 Number of tape drives
Where calculating capacity was difficult, and required a lot of assumptions, calculating the
number of tape devices required is a bit easier. The required number of tapes depends on two
factors:
Functional requirements
Performance requirements

Functional requirements indicate the need for a certain number of drives to perform certain
operations. Tivoli Storage Manager, for example, requires at least two tape drives when you
need to make tape copies for offline storage.

Performance requirements follow out of the available time to perform backup operations. If
you need to back up a certain amount of data in a certain amount of time, called the backup
window, you can easily calculate the required throughput. Since the potential throughput of a
tape library is in direct relation to the number of tape drives, the equation is easily made.
There is, however, one important factor that needs to be considered: there is a difference
between the streaming mode throughput of a tape drive (the published figure), and the actual
throughput when working in combination with backup software. That is why you should again
analyze your environment and ask your software supplier for case studies or performance
reports, which can be related back to your environment.


This completes the introduction to the need and selection of a tape library. For additional
information, please refer to the following publications:
Netfinity Tape Solutions, SG24-5218
The IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Libraries Guide, SG24-5946
IBM Tape Solutions for Storage Area Networks and FICON, SG24-5474
Implementing IBM LTO Tape in Linux and Windows, SG24-6268
Using IBM LTO Ultrium with Open Systems, SG24-6502
IBM Magstar Tape Products Family: A Practical Guide, SG24-4632-03


2

Chapter 2. Library Overview
This chapter discusses the features of tape automation products. These include:
Tape drive technology
Library capacity
Performance information
Interfaces
Additional features
Product comparison
Supported solutions

In addition, this chapter provides an overview of the current IBM tape automation solutions for
IBM xSeries servers. We also describe the hardware installation and configuration.
Specifically, the following tape libraries are covered:
“IBM 3600 Series 900 GB/1.8 TB LTO Tape Autoloader” on page 14
“IBM 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO Tape Library” on page 15
“IBM 280/560 GB DLT Tape Autoloader” on page 19
“IBM 490/980 GB DLT Tape Library” on page 20
“IBM 120/240 GB DDS/4 4mm Autoloader” on page 21

2.1 Technology
As we see more and more tape products appear on the market, some of them using new
technologies, it is important to know about these products and understand what each offers in
terms of performance, capacity, growth, investment protection and connectivity.

This section provides an overview of the technologies that are available from the tape
automation products for IBM xSeries range.

We discuss the newer tape technologies, mainly the Linear Tape Open (LTO) and the Super
Digital Linear Tape (SDLT). For other existing technologies, for example Digital Linear Tape
(DLT) and Digital Audio Tape (DAT), see Netfinity Tape Solutions, SG24-5216.


Note: Throughout this document we will no longer refer to DAT but instead to Digital Data
Storage Four (DDS/4). This is the recording format that is currently used on DAT drives and
as such indicates the standard of the product.

2.1.1 Linear Tape Open
LTO (Linear Tape Open) is a joint IBM, HP and Seagate initiative to create new tape
standards in the Open System markets. The group developed the formats to serve multiple
market areas and to be supported by multiple suppliers.

Licenses are available to all manufacturers for the two formats based on the technology:
Ultrium, a single-reel implementation, optimized for high capacity, that offers up to 200 GB
of capacity assuming a 2:1 compression ratio (100 GB native)
Accelis, a dual-reel implementation, designed for fast access, that offers smaller capacity,
at 25 GB, but with data retrieval in under 10 seconds.

Magstar technologies are at the foundation of the LTO specifications. This includes the
extension of the Magstar method of writing data, the linear serpentine Magstar track
recording, an enhanced servo tracking mechanism based on the Magstar MP servo system, a
compression scheme derived from the same algorithm as the Magstar LZ1 algorithm, error
correction code based on the Magstar architecture, magnetically sensitive highly stable metal
particle media used in Magstar today, and the implied use of MR heads already in the
Magstar products.

An important fact regarding SAN implementation is the provision of a native Fibre Channel
interface that will be available on products of the LTO format. This lifts the need for SAN data
gateways or SCSI to Fibre Channel routers, and enhances connectivity possibilities using
direct switch attachment.

Note: Native Fibre Channel tape devices still use the arbitrated loop implementation
(FC-AL) of the Fibre Channel protocol. Since some switches do not support these loop
ports, ensure that your switch is capable of using FC-AL devices before attaching tape
devices. If you do not have support, an intermediate switch might be necessary.

The LTO Ultrium format
The Ultrium tape format is the implementation of LTO technology optimized for high capacity
and performance with outstanding reliability, in either a stand-alone or an automated
environment. The Ultrium tape format uses a single reel cartridge to maximize capacity. It is
ideally suited for backup, restore, and archival applications. The LTO cartridges will load in a
manner similar to DLT. Here are the basic specifications of the Ultrium tape format:
The first generation of Ultrium allows for 100 GB native capacity in a single compact
cartridge. The cartridge is smaller than existing single-reel tape cartridges.
Ultrium provides for data transfer rates of 10-20 MBps.
Cartridge memory (LTO-CM) enhances functionality by providing a non-contacting passive
radio frequency (RF) interface embedded in the cartridge, allowing information retrieval
(calibration information, manufacturers' data and information about initialization). The
advantage is that this information can be retrieved without having to load the tape.
Data integrity features include two levels of error correction that can provide recovery from
longitudinal media scratches. Read-While-Write (RWW) capability allows real-time
verification of written data.


Table 2-1 provides an overview of possible future enhancements to the Ultrium format.
Table 2-1 LTO Ultrium roadmap
Generation 11 Generation 2 Generation 3 Generation 4

Capacity 100 GB 200 GB 400 GB 800 GB

Transfer rate2 10-20 MBps3 20-40 MBps 40-80 MBps 80-160 MBps

Recording Format RLL 1,7 PRML PRML PRML

Media MP MP MP Thin Film

Notes:
1. The current products are first-generation products.
2. The figures given are native capacity and transfer rate. Compression usually doubles these figures,
giving a 200 GB capacity and a 20-40 MBps transfer rate for first-generation Ultrium tapes.
3. The LTO standard allows transfer speeds ranging from 10 to 20 MBps in native mode. The currently
available products from IBM typically perform at 15 MBps.

Note: All the capacity and performance figures given for the LTO Ultrium and Accelis
formats suppose the use of 8-head devices. The LTO standard also supports 4-head
devices, which are less common on the market. The consequence of using only 4 heads
instead of 8 is that the capacity and performance figures must be divided by two.

Accelis
The Accelis tape format is the implementation of LTO technology optimized for fast access to
data. It uses a two-reel cartridge that loads at the middle of the tape to minimize access time.
The Accelis tape format is targeted at automated environments and can enable a wide range
of online data inquiry and retrieval applications. Data transfer speed is comparable to the
Ultrium format. At this point, no devices are available that use the Accelis tape format.
The first generation of Accelis allows 25 GB native capacity. A self-enclosed tape path in
the cartridge eliminates tape threading, which greatly improves time to first data byte.
Cartridges are loaded in the middle of the tape rather than at the beginning, reducing
average search time for random files.
Accelis provides for data transfer rates of 10-20 MBps in the first generation.
Accelis is ideal for library use, with high-speed access to relatively short files. Accelis is
suited for applications such as data mining and image retrieval, as well as traditional
backup/restore.
Cartridge memory (LTO-CM) enhances functionality by providing a non-contacting passive
radio frequency (RF) interface embedded in the cartridge, allowing information retrieval
(calibration information, manufacturers' data and information about initialization). The
advantage is that this information can be retrieved without having to load the tape.
Data integrity features include two levels of error correction that can provide recovery from
longitudinal media scratches. Read-While-Write (RWW) capability allows real-time
verification of written data.

Chapter 2. Library Overview 11

Table 2-2 LTO Accelis roadmap

Capacity1 25 GB 100 GB 200 GB 400 GB

Transfer rate1 10-20 MBps 20-40 MBps 40-80 MBps 80-160 MBps

Recording Format RLL 1,7 PRML PRML PRML

Media MP MP MP Thin Film

Data access time < 10 sec < 8 sec < 7 sec < 7 sec

Notes:
giving a 200 GB capacity and 20-40 MBps transfer rate for first-generation Ultrium tapes.

For more information on the LTO products and technology, see:

http://www.storage.ibm.com/hardsoft/tape/lto/lto.htm

http://www.lto.org

2.1.2 Super Digital Linear Tape
Super Digital Linear Tape (SDLT) is the next generation of DLT. SDLT offers major advantages
over existing DLT in both tape capacity and data transfer rates. It is also backward read-write
compatible with all DLT IV tape formats. DLT IV includes DLT7000 (35/70 GB) and DLT 8000
(DLT 40/80 GB) formats. SDLT increases tape capacity to 110 GB per cartridge, doubling that
of the DLT8000 format, while data transfer rates have also increased from 6 MBps to around
11 MBps. These figures are applicable for the current available release of the SDLT
technology, called SDLT 220.

Note: All figures are native, non-compressed mode. Compression rate is 2:1 so capacity
and performance will double.

Some of the SDLT improvements over existing DLT are explained below:
Laser Guided Magnetic Recording (LGMR)
Previous magnetic servo tracking methods used some of the recording side of the tape to
store the track information, which took up tracks that can now be used for data. By
combining optical and magnetic technology, LGMR increases performance and capacity
by using the back of the tape for optical servo tracking, leaving the entire media side of the
tape free for recording data.
Pivoting Optical Servo (POS)
The optical servo pivots around a single mounting point which allows the LGMR system to
easily align the magnetic heads for reading and writing to the tape. This ensures immunity
from vibrations, allowing higher tape speeds.
Magneto-Resistive Cluster (MRC) heads
Densely packed heads use a thin-film processing technology to increase transfer rates
and data capacity. Also the entire head is now used for read/write operations and no
longer for servo use since this is done optically.


New buckler design
Where the buckler design of the DLT IV tapes was a regular source of tape breakdown the
SDLT tapes provide a new buckling mechanism that is more reliable. See:
http://www.quantum.com/NR/rdonlyres/000001c0lgzhcytizmgzqqio/wptapehandling.pdf
As with LTO formats, Quantum has designed a roadmap for its SDLT product line.
Table 2-3 provides an overview of the specifications of future SDLT generations.
Table 2-3 SDLT product roadmap

SDLT 2201 SDLT 320 SDLT 640 SDLT 1280 SDLT 2400

Capacity2 110 GB 320 GB 640 GB 1280 GB 2400 GB

Transfer Rate2 11 MBps 16 MBps 32 MBps 50 MBps 100 MBps

Media SDLT I SDLT I SDLT II SDLT III SDLT IV

Availability date 2001 2002 2004 2005 2007

Note:
1. This is the currently available product.
giving a 220 GB capacity and a 22 MBps transfer rate for SDLT 220 devices.

For more information on SDLT technology see:

http://www.dlttape.com/Technology/Default.htm

http://www.quantum.com/Products/Quantum+l+DLTtape/SDLT+220/Default.htm

Currently, IBM does not offer a tape automation product that uses the SDLT 220 drives, but
rather the SDLT 220 single tape drive. For more information, see:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/ww/eserver/xseries/tape.html

2.2 IBM 3600 automation products
The 3600 LTO automation products expand the current range of automated tape products for
the IBM xSeries Server range and offer improvements in speed, capacity and scalability. The
products range from an entry level autoloader for smaller solutions to a scalable library to
meet the demands of today’s fast-growing data requirements. The 3600 library also
introduces native Fibre Channel connectivity as an option.


Table 2-4 Overview of 3600 LTO automation products
Model Number 3600 LTO autoloader 3600 LTO tape library 3600 LTO tape library
3600-109 3600-220 (tower) 3600-R20 (rack)

Number of drives 1 LTO tape drive 1 LTO tape drive 1 LTO tape drive
(2 maximum) (2 maximum)

Maximum number of 9 20 20
cartridges

Native capacity1 900 GB 2 TB 2 TB

Connection type Ultra-2 LVD SCSI Ultra-2 LVD SCSI Ultra-2 LVD SCSI

Optional Fibre NO YES YES
Channel connection FC-AL interface FC-AL interface

Expandable NO NO YES with up to two
3600-LXU units.

Note:
1. The total capacity of the library can double using compression.

2.2.1 IBM 3600 Series 900 GB/1.8 TB LTO Tape Autoloader
The IBM 3600 Series 900 GB/1.8 TB LTO Tape Autoloader (product number 3600-109) is a
single-drive entry-level LTO automated product for moderate-to-high-sized data requirements.
Although it provides no expandability, it is still capable of backing up 1.8TB of data.

Figure 2-1 IBM 3600 Series 900GB/1.8TB Tape Autoloader

The autoloader has the following features:
Up to 900 GB total native capacity, 1.8 TB using 2:1 compression.
Data transfer rate of 15 MBps native, 30 MBps with compression.
A six-slot removable magazine and three fixed slots in the back of the autoloader.
The autoloader is primarily designed as a tower. It can be installed in a rack on a fixed
shelf. Each unit occupies 6U of rack space.
Integrated barcode reader for improved media management.
Front -anel LCD display and operator control panel.
Support for industry-leading backup and restore application software.


The 3600 autoloader option kit includes the following items:
The LTO tape autoloader assembly.
A country-specific power cord.
An external 4-meter LVD SCSI cable.
Publications, including:
– Online version of the user manual.
– Quick Install Guide (English).
One data cartridge.
One cleaning cartridge.
An external 1-meter LVD SCSI jumper cable.
Barcode kit.
An LVD external active SCSI terminator.
Trial version of the VERITAS Backup Exec software.
Trial version of the Computer Associates ARCserve software.

Figure 2-2 provides an overview of the required connections for the 3600-109.

SCSI Jumper Cable

SCSI T
Terminator

To Host SCSI Cable
Figure 2-2 Connecting the 3600-109

2.2.2 IBM 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO Tape Library
The IBM 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO Tape Library exists as both a tower model (product number
3600-220) or as a rack model (product number 3600-R20). Both libraries can be upgraded
from the standard one-drive configuration to a two-tape drive library. Each tape drive is
capable of providing transfer rates of 15 MBps, giving a total of 108 GB per hour using two
tape drives.The native capacity of 2 TB is obtained using 20 cartridges.

The rack model, 3600-R20, can be expanded using the 3600 Series 2-Drive, 20-Cartridge
Expander Module (see “3600 Series 2-Drive, 20-Cartridge Expander Module” on page 17).
With two of these expansion units, the total amount of tape drives can reach up to six,
providing a total throughput of 324 GB per hour. The capacity expands to 60 cartridges,
providing up to 6TB of data storage.

Note: All figures are native, non-compressed mode.


Figure 2-3 The IBM 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO Tape Library

The library has the following features:
Up to 2 TB total native capacity native, 4 TB using 2:1 compression.
A data transfer rate of 15 MBps native, 30 MBps with compression.
Two drawers, each with two removable magazines that both hold five cartridges.
The library comes in two form factors, as a tower model or a rack model that occupies 5U
of rack space.
Front-panel LCD display and operator control panel.
A remote management card is included to provide remote manageability and diagnostics.
Hot pluggable drives.
Support for industry-leading backup/restore application software.
Modular building block architecture for the tower model using the 2-Drive, 20-Cartridge
Expander Module.
Up to two tape drives using the 3600 Series LTO Drive Upgrade Option.
Native Fibre Channel support using the IBM Fibre Tape Automation Adapter.

The 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO tape library option kit includes the following items:
LTO tape library assembly.
Country-specific power cord.
An external 4-meter LVD SCSI cable.
Publications, including:
– Online version of the user manual.
– Quick Install Guide (English).
One data cartridge.
One cleaning cartridge.
External 1-meter LVD SCSI jumper cable.
Barcode kit.
An LVD external active SCSI terminator.
Trial version of the VERITAS Backup Exec software.
Trial version of the Computer Associates ARCserve software.

Figure 2-4 provides an overview of the required connections for the 3600-x20:


SCSI Cable

To Host
T SCSI
LAN
Terminator

SCSI Jumper Cable
Figure 2-4 Connecting the 3600-220 and 3600-R20

3600 Series 2-Drive, 20-Cartridge Expander Module
The expander module, 3600-LXU, is only available in combination with the rack model of the
IBM 3600 Series LTO Tape Library, or 3600-R20. Each expander module provides two
drawers with 20 cartridge slots, power supply, electronic circuits and picker assemblies. Each
expander module adds 2 TB native or 4 TB compressed backup storage. A maximum of two
expander modules are supported.

The expander module has no tape drives installed by default. You must order the 3600 Series
LTO Drive Upgrade Option for each additional drive that you want to install in an expander
module. A maximum of two tape devices can be installed in each expander module.
Figure 2-5 shows a full configuration of the 3600 LTO library, consisting of the following
options:
The rack model of the 3600 Series LTO Tape Library (3600-R20)
Two 3600 Series Expander Modules (3600-LXU)
Five times the 3600 Series LTO Drive Upgrade Option (2 for each expander module and
one for the library)


T
360 0-LXU
S C S I C able
SC SI
To Host Term ina tor
T

360 0-LXU

LAN
T
360 0-R 20

SC SI Jum per C able
Figure 2-5 3600-R20 with additional LXU units and tape drives

As shown in Figure 2-5, each expander module requires a separate SCSI connection to the
host system. The reason for this requirement is that due to the speed of the LTO tape drives,
only two devices must be connected on the same SCSI bus. This is mainly to avoid saturation
of the SCSI bus. When you add expander modules without additional tape devices, there is
no need to add SCSI connections to the host adapter.

Figure 2-5 also shows that the LTO 3600 tape library can be connected to the customer’s
LAN; this is for systems management purposes. The systems management card enables
remote management and diagnostics of the tape library via a Web browser.

IBM Fibre Tape Automation Adapter
The Fibre Tape Automation Adapter is supported with either of the 3600 Series LTO tape
libraries and expander units (when additional tape drives are attached). It acts as a Fibre
Channel router to provide direct attachment to supported Fibre Channel host adapters and
switches.

Figure 2-6 provides a connection example of the library and expander units using the Fibre
Tape Automation Adapter. As with the SCSI connector, you can only connect two tape drives
per Fibre Channel card.


Fibre Channel Cable
T T

SCSI
Terminator
T T

LAN
T T

SCSI Jumper Cable

Figure 2-6 Fiber cabling diagram

With the fiber card now installed you have native fiber connectivity. We will discuss the
possible connections to the SAN or host adapters (see “Connectivity” on page 26).

2.3 IBM 3502 DLT automation products
In this section we will discuss the 3502 DLT Tape Library and Autoloader to provide a brief
overview of each product including performance and capacity. Additional information about
the 3502 is provided in the redbook Netfinity Tape Solutions, SG24-5216-01.
Table 2-5 Overview of 3502 automation products
Model number 3502-108 3502-314 and R14

Number of drives 1 DLT 7000 1 DLT 7000 standard
3 DLT 7000 maximum

Max. number of cartridges 8 DLT Type IV 14 DLT tape IV

Maximum capacity (native/ 280 GB / 560 GB 490 GB / 980 GB
compressed)

Connection type SCSI-2 single ended SCSI-2 single ended

Upgradable No Only with 2 additional tape
drives

2.3.1 IBM 280/560 GB DLT Tape Autoloader
The IBM 3502-108 DLT Tape Autoloader is a single-drive automated backup device. It has
little or no expandability but it is an ideal product for customers looking for an entry-level
automated solution using DLT 7000 technology.


Figure 2-7 3502-108 DLT Tape Autoloader

The IBM 3502-108 DLT Tape Autoloader has the following features:
Up to 280 GB total capacity native, 560 GB with compression.
Data transfer rate of 5 MBps native, 10 MBps using compression.
Removable 6-cartridge magazine plus 2 fixed slots.
The autoloader is primarily designed as a tower. It can be installed in a rack, however,
using a fixed shelf.

The 3502-108 DLT Tape Autoloader option kit includes the following items:
The autoloader assembly.
A 3-meter SCSI cable.
An 2940U2B SCSI adapter.
User Manual.
DLT data cartridge.
DLT cleaning cartridge.
0.8 mm. (68-pin adapter)
A 0.5 meter SCSI jumper cable.
A 68-pin SCSI terminator.
A trial version of VERITAS Backup Exec software.
A trial version of Computer Associates ARCserve.

2.3.2 IBM 490/980 GB DLT Tape Library
The IBM 490/980 GB DLT Tape Library offers greater performance and capacity than the DLT
autoloader. It is available in both a tower model (product number 3502-314) and a rack model
(product number 3502-R14). The tape library can be expanded by adding up to two additional
tape drives using the drive upgrade option, potentially tripling the performance.

Note: The 3502 DLT library has one tape drive installed by default. To add tape devices,
you should order the 3502 tape drive upgrade option. DLT 8000 devices are not supported.


Figure 2-8 The 3502-314 DLT Tape Library, tower model

The IBM 3502-314/R14 Tape Library has the following features:
Up to 560 GB total capacity native, 980 GB using compression.
Data transfer rate of 5 MBps native, 10 MBps using compression.
Two removable 7-cartridge magazines.
The library comes in two form factors, as a tower and a rack that occupies 4U of rack
space.
Support for a wide variety of backup/restore software.

The 3502-314/R14 DLT Tape Library option kit includes the following items:
The library assembly.
A 3-meter SCSI cable.
A 2940U2B SCSI adapter.
User manual.
DLT data cartridge.
DLT cleaning cartridge.
0.8-mm (68-pin adapter)
A 0.5 meter SCSI jumper cable.
A 68-pin SCSI terminator.

2.4 IBM 4mm automation product
IBM has only one automated product for this format. It is the DDS/4 autoloader.

2.4.1 IBM 120/240 GB DDS/4 4mm Autoloader
The DDS/4 format is backward compatibly with the DDS/3 and DDS/2 formats. This product is
primarily designed for low range servers and high end desktops/Intelli Stations who need a
reliable backup device. The DDS/4 fits into an internal 5.25 inch media bay or the 3503-B1X
external enclosure (Option P/N 09N4047).


Table 2-6 Overview of DDS/4 autoloader
Model number 120/240 GB DDS/4 tape 120/240 GB DDS/4 tape
autoloader autoloader with 3503-B1X

Number of drives 1 DDS/4 tape drive 1 DDS/4 tape drive

Max. number of cartridges 6 6

Maximum capacity (native / 120 GB / 240 GB 120 GB / 240 GB
compressed)

Connection type Ultra -2 LVD SCSI Ultra -2 LVD SCSI

Upgradable No No

Figure 2-9 DDS/4 120/240GB Autoloader

The IBM 120/240 GB DDS/4 Tape Autoloader has the following features:
Up to 120 GB total capacity native, 240 GB using compression.
Data transfer rate of 3 MBps native, 6MBps using compression.
A six-cartridge removable magazine.
Internal installation in any standard 5.25-inch full-height bay.

The 120/240 GB DDS/4 Tape Autoloader option kit includes the following items:
The 120/240 GB DDS/4 Tape Autoloader
A user manual.
Mounting screws.
Five data cartridges.
A cleaning cartridge.
Two cartridge magazines.

2.5 Tape library comparison
In this section, an overview is provided for all specifications relative to a tape automation
product. The current available models will be compared.


2.5.1 Performance
The performance of a tape library is normally defined using two parameters:
The performance of the tape technology used within the library.
The number of tape devices that can be installed in a library.

To obtain the overall potential data throughput of a tape library, the throughput of the tape
drives should be multiplied by the number of tapes available. Table 2-7 provides an overview
of the total library data throughput. The data throughput rates provided describe the native
speed.
Table 2-7 Library throughput
Number of Drive Library
drives performance throughput

3600 LTO tape library (tower) Standard 1 15 MBps 15 MBps

Maximum 2 15 MBps 30 MBps

3600 LTO tape library (rack) Standard 1 15 MBps 15 MBps


3600 Series tape autoloader 1 15 MBps 15 MBps

3502 DLT tape library Standard 1 5 MBps 5 MBps


3502 DLT tape autoloader 1 5 MBps 5 MBps

DDS/4 tape autoloader 1 3 MBps 3 MBps

Note:
1. The total of 6 drives can be obtained using 2 3600-LXU expander units.

Where the throughput is definitely an indication of the possible transfer speed of a tape drive
or library, there are some considerations that need to be taken. When comparing products
that will operate in a given condition, the throughput is a valid comparison tool. It is, however,
not an indication of what throughput speeds you will obtain in the final setup. Several other
factors play a role, including:
Search time required to locate data and position a tape.
Type of data transferred. Tape devices are typically optimized for data streaming, which
means that data will flow continuously from or to the tape drive. If the used environment is
characterized by a large number of small files, this streaming will probably not take place.
The resulting transfer rate will be smaller. This becomes increasingly more important when
trying to use the total throughput of the library. In the case of a fully configured 3600 LTO
library for example, the 90 MBps rate can only be obtained if the host is able to stream the
data to all six drives at the same time.
If multiple tape mounts are required, the time required to mount a tape in a drive becomes
an important value. This value is a function of the following points:
– Time required to locate a volume and position the picker.
– Time to move volume from the slot to the tape devices.
– Time required to load and position the tape volume in the tape devices.


2.5.2 Capacity
The capacity of a autoloader or library is dictated by the number of cartridges that it can hold
and the tape technology used. As with the throughput values, the total capacity can be
calculated by multiplying the number of available slots by the capacity of the cartridges used.

Table 2-8 provides an overview of the total library capacity. The values provided describe the
native capacity.
Table 2-8 Library capacity
Number of Cartridge Library
slots capacity capacity

3600 LTO tape library (tower) 20 100 GB 2 TB

3600 LTO tape library (rack) 20 100 GB 2 TB

3600 LTO tape library (rack) with two 60 100 GB 6 TB
3600-LXU units

3600 Series tape autoloader 9 100 GB 900 GB

3502 DLT tape library 14 35 GB 490 GB

3502 DLT tape autoloader 8 35 GB 280 GB

DDS/4 tape autoloader 6 20 GB 120 GB

As with the data throughput values, there are some considerations that are important:
Since tape libraries typically operate in a low-maintenance environment, you should add a
cleaning tape to the library. This means that the number of available slots should bbe
lowered by the number of cleaning cartridges (typically 1).
In some situations, you will not use the entire capacity of a cartridge. For example, when
you want to group all backup data of one client system on a cartridge, you could end up
with a large amount of cartridges that are not fully used. Therefore, you should understand
the use of your library, and base the decision about capacity on either the total data
capacity or the number of available slots.

2.5.3 Compression
Where compression is not really a tape library factor, but more dependent on the tape
technology used, it is commonly used when describing library capacity and performance. The
current available tape product in the xSeries range use a compression algorithm that will
typically double the capacity and performance. Care should be taken, however, when taking
this compression factor into account. This because it strongly depends on the type of data
that is written to the tape. Hardware tape compression is basically the same as normal
software compression. The only difference is that hardware compression will be performed by
the tape’s firmware, rather than by the host sending the data. The result is that files that are
already compressed at the origin will not gain from hardware compression.

2.5.4 Scalability
When selecting a library, a customer is always faced with the problem of data growth. Since
the capacity and performance needs will be largely based on the amount of data that needs
to be placed on tape media, having a valid figure is very important. However, due to recent
surges in data use, determining future needs has become increasingly difficult. A possible
solution is to invest in a library that largely exceeds current needs, but is capable of coping
with the projected data growth.


The problem with this decision is that the investment required is much higher. Another, more
reasonable solution would be to choose a library that can grow over time, meaning that there
is the possibility to add tape devices (increasing performance) or capacity. Table 2-9 shows
the expansion possibilities available for the current libraries.
Table 2-9 Library expansion possibilities
Capacity Performance
expansion Expansion

3600 LTO tape library (tower) No Yes

3600 LTO tape library (rack) Yes Yes

3600 Series tape autoloader No No

3502 DLT tape library No Yes

3502 DLT tape autoloader No No

DDS/4 tape autoloader No No

2.5.5 Form factor
The form factor describes what a library’s physical dimensions and mounting possibilities are.
In general, the following types of form factors exist:
Tower or desktop models
The models are mainly designed to stand close to the host system to which they are
attached. They do not require an additional enclosure or rack. If required, most of these
models can be integrated into a rack by using a rack shelf.
Rack mountable models
Rack models are designed to be integrated in a rack environment. The advantage of rack
mounting a library is that the required footprint diminishes. In the case of libraries,
however, the mounting possibilities are limited due to weight of the devices. Therefore,
libraries should always be mounted as close to the bottom of the rack as possible.
Internal devices
Internal devices are intended to be integrated within the host itself, using 3.5 or 5.25 bays.
There are also external enclosures available if required.

Table 2-10 shows the form factors and possibilities for physical installation of the tape
libraries.
Table 2-10 Library form factors
Product Form Factor Rack Units
Number

3600 LTO tape library (tower) 3600-220 Tower N/A

3600 LTO tape library (rack) 3600-R20 Rack 5

3600 Series tape autoloader 3600-108 Tower N/A

3502 DLT tape library (tower) 3502-314 Tower N/A

3502 DLT tape library (rack) 3502-R14 Rack 4

3502 DLT tape autoloader 3502-108 Tower N/A

DDS/4 tape autoloader 5.25 full height N/A


2.5.6 Connectivity
The possibilities we have connecting the library to the host system is called connectivity.
Besides the standard SCSI connectivity, SAN attachment is becoming more and more
important. There are many reasons for this, ranging from offloading network traffic to a SAN
with LAN free solutions, sharing the backup device between servers (tape pooling) or distant
disaster recovery solutions, to backing up data off ite or to and from other locations. SAN
connectivity through the Fibre Channel protocol can be obtained using two methods:
Direct attachment of the devices.
Attachment through separate components, called gateways or routers.

Table 2-11 provides an overview of the connectivity options for the different libraries.
Table 2-11 Library connectivity
SCSI interface SAN Connectivity

3600 LTO tape library LVD Fibre Channel Tape Automation adapter

3600 Series tape autoloader LVD Not supported

3502 DLT tape library SE IBM SAN Data Gateway SCSI Tape Router
(2108-R03 and Feature Code 2840)

3502 DLT tape autoloader SE IBM SAN Data Gateway SCSI Tape Router
(2108-R03 and Feature Code 2840)

DDS/4 tape autoloader LVD Not supported

The following two diagrams provide an overview of connectivity options using Fibre Channel
connections. Figure 2-10 shows the connectivity using the integrated Fibre Channel
connections available on the 3600 Series tape libraries. Connections can be made using
point-to-point mode, or libraries can be directly attached to the SAN fabric.

noit aru gifnoC hctiw S & buH

revres seireSx lennahC erbiF
hctiwS ro buH
)troppus LA-CF(
)tp 61 & 8(

noit aru gifnoC tnio P-ot- tnio P elbaC lennahC erbiF =

revres seireSx troppus taht sUXL & seirarbiL
retpada rebif

Figure 2-10 Native fiber configuration options


For tape devices that don’t support native fiber connections, you will need additional
hardware to provide fiber connectivity. For this, IBM offers a range of SAN data gateway
products. These products will offer some investment protection for customers who don’t wish
to purchase new tape products, but require some of the functionality that they provide.

noi t ar u gifnoC noi tcennoC tceriD

revres seireSx yawetaG ataD epat ISCS
yrarbil /redaolotua

elbaC lennahC erbiF =

noit aru gifnoC hctiw S & bu H elbaC ISCS =

revres seireSx lennahC erbiF yawetaG ataD epat ISCS
hctiwS ro buH yrarbil /redaolotua
)tp 61 & 8(

Figure 2-11 SCSI configuration options

2.5.7 Additional features
Additional features that might help you in determining the correct library are the following:
Barcode scanner
A barcode scanner allows the use of barcode labels on tapes. The advantage of this is
that every library inventory operation will be faster, since the library does not have to read
each tape label physically by mounting it in the drive.
The current range of xSeries libraries all include barcode readers, except for the 3502-108
DLT autoloader and the 4mm DDS/4 autoloader.
Input/output ports
I/O ports are predefined slots in a library where volumes are moved when check-in or
checkout operations occur. The advantage is that the library does not need to be opened
to handle these volumes, ensuring continuity of operations. Other names for I/O slots
include entry/exit ports and mail slots. Currently, only the 3600 library (3600-220 and R20)
have this functionality.

2.5.8 Summary
Figure 2-12 on page 28 shows each product and its relative position in comparison to the
other automated solutions available for IBM xSeries servers. With the range of products
available, there is always going to be an overlap. Let’s look at an example. Although the
performance of the 3600 tape autoloader and the 3600 tape library are the same in terms of


throughput, the 3600 tape library has the capacity to hold an additional tape or additional
tapes if using the Library Expander Module (LXU), which is available for the rack mount
library, to provide greater throughput. This is one reason that the library has been positioned
above the autoloader. Another reason would be capacity.

The figure also shows the market position of each product but this will change as customer
requirements change, especially as storage requirements continue to grow, and new products
are announced. Here we are only referring to those products offered as options by IBM
xSeries servers and how IBM markets those products within this range. One other point to
note: when we previously described some of the machines as entry-level products we didn’t
necessarily mean that they are low-end solutions. For example, the LTO autoloader is an
entry-level solution with regards to LTO tape products, but is not a low-end solution.
Entry-level products are generally less complex machines; therefore they make excellent
first-time automation products for customers who require greater capacity than a single tape
drive can provide.
Throughput

High

3600-220/R20
Medium

3600-109

Low
3502-314/R14

3502-108

DDS/4 Autoloader

Capacity
Figure 2-12 Product positioning

Table 2-12 provides a summary of all the topics discussed in the above sections.


Table 2-12 Product comparison
SCSI Form Data No. of Capacity Backup Rate1
interface factor cartridges drives (native/ (native/
(max) (std./max compressed) compressed)
)

3600 Series 2/4TB LTO LVD 2 Tower 20 1/2 2/4 TB 15/30 MBps
Tape Library (Tower)

3600 Series 2/4TB LTO LVD 2 5U Rack 603,4 1/63,4 6/12 TB 3,4 15/30 MBps
Tape Library (Rack)

3600 Series 900GB/1.8TB LVD 2 Tower 9 1/1 900 GB/1.8 15/30 MBps
LTO Tape Autoloader TB

3502-314 DLT Tape Library SE Tower 14 1/3 490/980 GB 5/10 MBps
(Tower)

3502-R14 DLT Tape Library SE 4U Rack 14 1/3 490/980 GB 5/10 MBps
(Rack)

3502-108 DLT Tape SE Tower 6 1/1 280/560GB 5/10 MBps
Autoloader

120/240 GB DDS/4 Tape 16 Ultra2 5.25” FH 5 1/1 120/240 GB 3/6 MBps
Autoloader LVD

Notes:
1. Transfer rates are for single SCSI channel configurations. Tape libraries utilizing split library or dual host
configurations may obtain higher rates. Data compression typically provides a 2X improvement in capacity and
transfer rate, bur since data compression is affected by many factors, actual improvements may be more or less
than 2X.
2. This is the standard connection. However, there is a fiber adapter option. This adapter installs in a 3600 Series
Tape Library to allow native fiber connectivity. Each adapter supports up to two LTO drives.
3. Maximum configuration includes two 3600 Series 2-Drive, 20-Cartridge Expander Modules and additional LTO tape
drive options.
4. The 3600 Series 2-Drive, 20-Cartridge Expander Module must be installed by IBM service. This installation service
is included without additional charge. It is supported only with the 3600 Series LTO Tape Library (Rack) P/N
21P99xx. One additional EIA space has to be allowed when installing either one or two units (maximum) to
accommodate a filler plate for cable routing. Up to two 3600 Series LTO Drive Upgrade Options can be installed in
each module or the module can operate off the LTO drives installed in the LTO tape library.

2.6 Supported solutions
The final step before selecting your autoloader or library is to make sure it is a certified and
supported solution. Up-to-date support information can be found at the following Web sites:

For Serverproven for tape backup solutions:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/compat/storage/tmatrix.html

For Serverproven for SAN solutions:

ftp://ftp.pc.ibm.com/pub/pccbbs/pc_servers/nfsansol5.pdf

Serverproven general Web site:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/compat


3

Chapter 3. Software configuration
This chapter discusses the installation and configuration of additional software products that
can be used to manage your backup and restore operations and control your library.

The following software products are discussed:
“Tivoli Storage Manager” on page 31
“VERITAS Backup Exec for Windows 2000 / NT” on page 67
“CA BrightStor ARCserve 2000” on page 82

3.1 Tivoli Storage Manager
This section describes the concepts and installation of the IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM)
product, which integrates backup, archive and space management functions.
Backup and restore
Backup enables you to save copies of files on the Tivoli Storage Manager server. The
TSM server will keep a predefined number of versions of a file in its storage repository.
From a client, you can restore files that have been backed up to the TSM server. During a
restore, TSM copies the backup version from the TSM server to your client. Restore
enables you to recover a single file or an entire file system.
Archive and retrieve
Archive enables you to save copies of files for some period of time on the TSM server.
Archive copies are never replaced with more current versions (as is the case with
backups). They are preserved exactly as you store them. The process of restoring the
archive packages is called retrieve.


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