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Chapter 1. Introduction

This chapter introduces the IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library, machine type

3584, also referred to as the 3584 Tape Library. The information in this chapter is

specific to the TS3500 Tape Library with the Advanced Library Management

System (ALMS).

Overview

This topic describes the IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library, a highly scalable,

stand-alone device that provides reliable, automated tape handling and storage for

both mainframe and Open Systems environments.

Figure 2 on page 2 shows a 6-frame version of the TS3500 Tape Library. An

individual library, or library string, consists of one base frame and up to 15

expansion frames and can include up to 192 tape drives and more than 20 000 tape

cartridges. The flexibility to connect multiple library strings to create a shuttle

complex greatly increases opportunities for growth, as well as the maximum

cartridge capacity. In addition to scalability, the TS3500 Tape Library offers the

following enhancements:

v Enhanced data accessibility through dual accessors that increase speed and

provide failover protection

v Enhanced data security through support for tape drive encryption and

write-once-read-many (WORM) cartridges

v Increased storage capacity with high-density (HD) frames that greatly increase

capacity without requiring more floor space

v Increased growth flexibility with shuttle technology, even in physically

constrained environments

v Greatly increased cartridge capacity in a shuttle complex without the need for

additional tape drives

These features are explained in greater detail throughout this chapter.

IBM TS3500 Introduction And Planning Guide

Other manuals for IBM TS3500