Dell DLm2700 and DLm8700 Two Disk Library Models to Accelerate Mainframe Storage

By Brian Henderson, director, product marketing, ISG portfolio messaging and programs, Dell Technologies, Inc.

We launch 2 new models of the Dell Disk Library for Mainframe (DLm), the DLm2700 and DLm8700.

These models feature enhanced Virtual Tape Engines (VTEs) with 60% more processing cores, 32Gb Ficon mainframe host connectivity, and 25GbE storage connections for improved performance.

Enhanced performance and storage efficiency
These DLm models offer a significant increase in processing power, host and storage connectivity speeds, making it possible to manage even the most demanding mainframe tape workloads more efficiently. This allows customers to take advantage of the latest Dell storage solutions, such as PowerProtect, PowerScale and PowerMax, while remaining plug compatible for traditional mainframe tape storage replacement.

DLm 7.0 builds on the innovative features and flexibility of Dell  mainframe storage
DLm built its reputation on the powerful combination of mainframe tape processing performance, storage choice, and innovative features enabling customers to maximize the benefits of data de-dupe, scalability, enterprise-class performance and availability. With the ability to share storage resources between mainframe and non-mainframe workloads, customers can cost-optimize their storage investment while modernizing their mainframe infrastructure.

Cloud connectivity and long-term retention
These DLm models continue support for Amazon AWS and Dell ECS, enabling more cost-efficient tape image Long Term Retention (LTR) and retrieval. By leveraging a mix of local and cloud-based mainframe tape storage, customers can free up on-premises capacity and share storage resources with open systems storage when faster retrieval is required.

Cyber resiliency and multi-site DR protection
DLm is built on Dell Technologies history of enterprise-class mainframe storage innovation, including the introduction of Universal Data Consistency (UDC) between mainframe tape and disk, which solves a decades-long problem of mainframe data and log files being out of sync which can create issues after an outage. Some additional innovative storage features include mainframe snapshot Data Protection (zDP), Cyber Protection Automation (zCPA), and cyber data intrusion detection (zCID) which provide enhanced cyber resiliency and multi-site DR protection.

Overall, the new DLm models offer a solution for mainframe customers seeking to boost performance, improve storage efficiency, and leverage cloud-based flexibility and cyber resiliency.

Dell and IBM partnership
In collaboration with IBM Corp., Dell continues to support the mainframe ecosystem, to meet the evolving demands of the world’s largest enterprises. DLm as well as PowerMax supports IBM z16. Powered by the IBM Telum processor, the z16 enables AI inferencing with unmatched agility, delivering at unprecedented speed and scale.

Start benefitting from smarter, more flexible, and secure mainframe virtual tape storage
Learn more about how DLm can help you accelerate your mainframe tape modernization by improving tape processing efficiency, storage asset utilization, strengthening cyber resiliency and multicloud connectivity for your enterprise.