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Oracle® SL8500 StorageTek Modular Library System Systems Assurance Guide E24254-08 |
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# 1 Introduction

Oracle's StorageTek SL8500 Modular Library System is a highly scalable, high-performance, high-density, high-availability enterprise storage solution that provides fully automated tape-cartridge storage and retrieval. It is ideal for long-term data retention, archive, backup, heterogeneous data consolidation, and mission-critical computing applications, particularly in high data growth environments and where multi-generational media support is essential.

This chapter provides an overview of the SL8500 library that outlines the major features, software options, and drive/media compatibility. Additionally, the overview lists the major components of each module type found in the library.

Note: This guide is intended as an introduction and planning resource. For detailed information, refer to the SL8500product documentation library on the Oracle Technical Network.

## Features and Options

The SL8500 library features include:

- A modular design that provides flexibility in storage capacity from 1,448 to over 100,000 data cartridges

- The ability to grow in real time with Capacity on Demand

- Management of the library with standalone and web-launched versions of StorageTek Library Console (SL Console) software

- Support for multiple platforms and operating environments

- Optional host connectivity features

- Optional partitioning of the library

- Automatic handling of dynamic World Wide Name (dWWN) assignments through the operating firmware

- Activation of features through Hardware Activation Files

### Software Options

There are several software components available depending on the platform, connection type, and operating system that support the SL8500 library for both mainframe and open system platforms.

The main options for library management software for the SL8500 library include:

- Enterprise Library Software (ELS)/Host Software Component (HSC) for mainframe

- Automated Cartridge System Library Software (ACSLS) for open systems

Additional software and storage system solutions include:

- Virtual Storage Manager (VSM)

- Library Content Manager (LCM) and Expert Library Reporter (ExPR)

- StorageTek Tape Analytics (STA)

- Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)

### Tape Drive and Media Compatibility

The SL8500 library supports three types of media and tape drives:

- StorageTek T-Series (T9840 series, the T9940B, and T10000 series)

- Linear Tape-Open (LTO) generations 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

- Super DLT (SDLT) drives (SDLT600, DLT-S4)

## Library Overview

The figure below shows an example of the SL8500 library, which stands 2.37 m (7.76 ft) tall, 1.7 m (5.6 ft) wide, and from 2.76 m (9.1 ft) to 7.5 m (24.7 ft) deep.

Figure 1-1 SL8500 Modular Library System

The base library has slots for 1,448 cartridges. Depending on the model and features selected, one SL8500 library can store up to 10,088 tape cartridges with 64 tape drives. For additional capacity, multiple SL8500 libraries can be connected together to form a library complex. Currently, a library complex can consist of a maximum of ten SL8500 libraries. The libraries in a complex are connected together using pass-thru ports (PTPs) and can store over 100,000 customer usable data tape cartridges with up to 640 tape drives.

The figure below shows the modules and major components of an SL8500 library.

Figure 1-2 Library Modules

### Customer Interface Module

The customer interface module is at the front of the library:

- Measures 95.25 cm (37.5 in.) deep

This module contains:

- 648 data cartridge slots, 198 slots for diagnostic and cleaning cartridges

- 24 end slots (eight 3-slot arrays) for targeting and drop-off cells

- One LED display and keypad

- Touch screen operator control panel

- Two load sharing DC power supplies

- One service safety door for maintenance activity

- One standard cartridge access port (CAP), the second CAP is optional

- Two elevator assemblies that transfer up to four cartridges between rails

### Storage Expansion Modules (SEM)

There can be up to five storage expansion modules in a library. Each module:

- Measures 95.25 cm (37.5 in.) deep

- Contains 1,728 customer usable data cartridge slots

### Robotics Interface Module (RIM)

The robotics interface module is between the DEM and CIM in a basic library or the DEM and a SEM in a library with additional storage.

- Measures 76.2 cm (30 in.) deep

This module contains:

- 800 data cartridge slots

- Pass-thru ports

### Drive and Electronics Module (DEM)

The drive and electronics module is at the back the library:

- Measures 76.2 cm (30 in.) deep

This module contains:

- AC power distribution units

- Load Sharing DC Power Supplies

- Accessory Racks

- Electronics Control module

- Slots for 1 to 64 tape drives