Key
configuration of a backup tape library
Source: http://www.data-backup-and-storage.com/backup-tape-library.html
Tape Backup Libraries:
Conventional backup systems are inadequate
to meet the increasing data loads and stringent system uptime requirements in high mission-critical business environment.
To minimizing costly downtime IS managers
have recognized the need for using Backup Tape Library as the preferred automation
backup technology. This guarantees zero down time in the even of disk and data failure
by making data readily available from refurbished tape media with little or no human
intervention.
Broadly speaking Tape Backup Library
Automation technology includes several parts:
Autoloader: Enclosed device which
has one tape drive along with a magazine of 6 to 10 tapes cartridges. Autoloaders
are best suitable for low administrative backups while they have limited capacity
as well as throughput. It delivers an automatic
process for tape rotation which
is less advanced.
Tape library: This device supports 2 or more tape drives for reading and writing along with a collection of tape cartridges,
typically 10 to 100. It is designed for continuous, unattended operation using robotic
media picker mechanism for mounting / dismounting the tape cartridge.
Most tape libraries offer more advanced
features like access ports for importing and exporting individual tapes under application
control. Also Barcode or MIC readers may be included to scan the labels of the cartridges
so it can quickly retrieve it from the rack.
Key Benefits of a Tape backup Libraries
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Eliminates human error from the backup
process.
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Complete automated data backup, archive
and disaster recovery solution for supporting a full security data environment.
Restore operations are not confined to last back up version of a file, but users
can easily access earlier generations, if necessary.
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Single point accountability through
library management console.
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Backup tape libraries allows for scalable
capacity through addition of drives and slots to meet demands for more storage.
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Affordable and trouble-free reliable
operation which provide you with low cost of ownership.
Key issues to address while selecting a Tape Backup Library solution
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Tape Library Scalability- Monolithic
library architecture demands purchasing a complete new library to scale the growing
backup needs. In contrast libraries based on modular standard provide the “pass
through” port allowing tapes to pass from one library to other thereby offering customers to customize the increments for meeting necessary changing storage capacities
requirement.
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Software Issues- The tape library
backup network software
must be able to talk to the tape backup library unit and
control its robotics. Few companies charge extra for the hardware drivers to support
particular backup software.
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Performance- Consider the time option for doing the backup. This will help you to determine the optimal tape-drive speed.
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Capacity- To arrive at a rough estimate.
Consider your current data set size and its likely growth over the next 5 years.
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Availability of connection technology-
Some tape libraries come with a fixed configuration usually SCSI or Fiber Channel
while others have I/O slots that will let you upgrade easily to different forms
of connectivity in the future.
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Appropriate tape technology- Tape
drive format vary wildly- 4mm, 8mm, MLR, DLT, LTO, etc. Don’t presume each automation
system to be compatible with every tape format.
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Easy Management- Library Management
Console must present a single view of virtual all components. This consists of the
robotics, the drives and the network connectivity. Flexibility of operation both locally and remotely over the web enable the library to automatically send out alerts
to the Management Console, e-mail box or service desk when there is a problem.