IBM TS2900 Autoloader (1/9) Supports LTO-4 and LTO-3 SAS HH Tape Drives

The new IBM System Storage TS2900 Tape Autoloader (machine type 3572) is an entry-level, compact 1U library (autoloader) that is designed to offer IBM tape reliability, density, and performance for entry-level and compact tape libraries at a cost effective price in open system environments.

The TS2900 Tape Autoloader, with a capacity of nine LTO Ultrium tape cartridges and employing IBM’s patented high density (HD) slot technology, is available as a rack-mountable unit that can contain either a single IBM LTO Ultrium 4 Half-High Tape Drive or a single IBM LTO Ultrium 3 Half-High Tape Drive with SAS attachment in a 1U form factor height.

The TS2900 Tape Autoloader is designed to provide:

• Support for Ultrium 4 tape drive encryption, which includes Application Managed Encryption, System Managed Encryption, Library Managed Encryption. Transparent LTO Encryption is available as SEO/part number 45E3797 for Ultrium 4 SAS tape drives.
• A single I/O station to help support continuous library operations, while importing and exporting media, and designed for little or no disruption to library operation.
• Remote management capabilities to allow for remote administration of the tape library through a Web interface.
• One removable magazine that houses nine data cartridges. This helps allow for quick population of the tape library, as well as eases the storage needs for media. You may order additional magazines as an option.
• A standard bar code reader that allows you to operate the TS2900 in sequential (autoloader) or random (library) access mode with labeled media. Labeled Ultrium 4 media can be ordered as part number 95P4278 through IBM Media at 888-IBM-MEDIA (426-6334). Refer to the Supplies section for additional information.
• Optional deskside covers, rack mount kits, and additional cartridge magazines.
• A 3 Gbps SAS attachment for connection to selected IBM System p servers that support AIX and Linux operating systems, IBM System x servers that support Linux and Windows operating systems, and Sun Solaris Sparc servers.
• Increased performance, which allows maximum tape drive throughput native data rate performance of up to 120 MB/sec for IBM Ultrium 4 Tape Drives. Data tracks are written 16 at a time.
• Support for mixed media and IBM Ultrium 3 and 4 WORM media. IBM Ultrium 4 tape drives can read and write Ultrium 4 Data Cartridges, can read and write Ultrium 3 Data Cartridges at original Ultrium 3 capacities, and can also read LTO Ultrium 2 Data Cartridges with improved data rates. IBM Ultrium 3 Tape Drives can read and write LTO Ultrium 2 Data Cartridges at original Ultrium 2 capacities, and can also read LTO Ultrium 1 Data Cartridges with improved data rates of up to 20 MB/second native data transfer rate (40 MB/second with 2:1 compression). Ultrium 4 tape drives cannot read Ultrium 1 tapes.
• The IBM 3589 Ultrium 4 800 GB WORM Tape Cartridges that are designed for applications such as archiving and data retention as well as those applications requiring an audit trail. These cartridges work with the IBM LTO Ultrium 4 Tape Drive to help prevent the alteration or deletion of user data.

IBM Ultrium 4 800 GB WORM Tape Cartridges can be ordered as unique 3589 models with the following features:

• Pre-labeling, with the ability to specify a starting volume serial and color-coding
• Packaging in individual jewel cases or in bulk
• Cartridge memory, built into every cartridge helps to enhance functionality and media reliability by storing access history and media performance information for use by the tape drive every time the cartridge is accessed
• Half-inch particle tape with a 800 GB WORM native capacity in a single cartridge

The TS2900 is suitable for use in network-attached storage implementations, such as backups and mass storage archives where multiterabyte capacities are required. Storage and tape management is provided by software such as Tivoli Storage Manager and other compatible software offerings.