| Oracle® SL8500 StorageTek Modular Library System Systems Assurance Guide E24254-08 |
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| Oracle® SL8500 StorageTek Modular Library System Systems Assurance Guide E24254-08 |
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This chapter provides a description of the main features of the SL8500 library. It also provides a description of software and connectivity options. For more information on any of these topics, please refer to the product specific documentation library on the Oracle Technical Network.
For information about software version requirements, refer to Appendix A, "Software Requirements".
Certain SL8500 features are activated through an Oracle hardware activation file. This activation file is a digitally signed Java Archive (.jar) file containing a feature activation key.
Each feature purchased requires the installation of one hardware activation file. Installation of a new hardware activation file, adds the purchased feature to the features already activated on the library.
The capacity for the SL8500 library uses Capacity on Demand and RealTime Growth to allow customers to instantly increase and activate capacity without disruption.
Slot upgrades provide the capability to increase the amount of activated capacity in the library (Capacity on Demand). RealTime Growth allows physical capacity to be pre-installed and then activated as needed.
The SL8500 library delivers exceptional value in these ways:
Scales non-disruptively at the customers pace, which allows the customer to pay only for current capacity needs with RealTime Growth capability and Capacity on Demand.
Includes flexibility with the "Any Cartridge, Any Slot" capability, which allows customers to select any physical slots in the library as licensed slots.
The figure below shows the physical capacity of the library as storage expansion modules (SEMs) are added. The libraries in the figure below range from no storage expansion modules on the left, to five storage expansion modules on the right. Each expansion module increases library physical capacity by 1,728 slots.
The table below lists the physical capacity of the library when SEMs are added.
Reserved slots cannot be used for data cartridges. These slots are reserved for cleaning and diagnostic cartridges. The reserved slots are located in the customer interface module (CIM).
RealTime Growth offers:
Advance installation of expansion modules
Install extra physical capacity during the initial install.
Pay to activate slots (capacity) when additional capacity become necessary, the physical capacity is already installed.
Quick and easy growth
Non-disruptive growth in capacity
No physical library components required for growth
Eliminates many internal procedures
RealTime Growth also includes the capability to add pass-thru ports dynamically while the library is operating.
Capacity on Demand is non-disruptive, allowing the customer to increase capacity within the library by activating previously installed, yet inactive slots. The SL8500 library offers capacity on demand with slot upgrades in 100, 250, 500, and 1000 slot increments.
Changes to active capacity result in minimal disruptions to library operations. With HLI libraries, such as the SL8500 library, an increase in active capacity doesn't stop host jobs or cause host connections to go offline. When the capacity changes, the library is offline only momentarily and automatically comes back online.
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Note: Although changes to active capacity are non-disruptive to current library hosts, it is recommended that you make the library unavailable to other user requests before committing the active storage region changes. |
Library partitioning reserves specified library resources for the exclusive use of specified hosts. Up to 8 hosts can share a single SL8500library. For example, the customer can reserve one side of the library for an HSC mainframe host and the other for an ACSLS open-systems host. Alternatively, the customer may reserve the uppermost rail in the library for backing up their resource and development environment, the middle two rails for backing up financial transactions, and the remaining rails for backing up IT resources.
Important partitioning guidelines include:
Library partitioning is an optional feature that is enabled through the hardware activation process.
Partition boundaries can be as small as a single array of storage cells and one tape drive.
Partitions support non-contiguous resource assignments. Partitions are set up using the StorageTek Library Console. CAPs and robotics are a shared library resource and are not assigned to specific partitions.
Only a single library may be partitioned—pass-thru port (PTP) operations are not allowed.
Hosts with a common database, such as HSC hosts using a common Control Data Set (CDS), can share a partition. These hosts are called a "host group."
A single ACSLS server can manage multiple partitions in the same library. Each partition is configured as a separate automated cartridge system (ACS).
For more details about the partitioning feature, refer to the SL8500 User's Guide.
The SL8500 has several connectivity and network topology options.
There are several host connectivity options for the SL8500 library that offer flexibility and redundancy to support a variety of customer requirements. These connectivity options include:
Dual TCP/IP provides two connections between a library or a library complex and an ACSLS or ELS/HSC host(s). Dual TCIP/IP avoids the single point of failure when there is only one connection between the library and the host
Multi TCP/IP provides multiple connections between a library complex and an ACSLS or ELS/HSC host(s). In addition to redundancy in connectivity, this feature also helps reduce contention and improve performance of the library and tape drives.
Redundant Electronics (RE) provides redundant library control and communications, and protects against failure should the active HBC/HBCR card fail or if communication to the card is lost.
For more information, see the SL8500 Host Connectivity Guide.
Host systems and tape libraries exchange two distinct kinds of information:
Library command-and-control information: A library control application (StorageTek ACSLS or HSC) runs on the host and sends instructions that position robotics, mount and unmount volumes, clean drives, and query the status of components. The library returns the results of commands and queries to the software.
User/application data: A data backup, archiving, or management application (NetBackup, Tivoli, SAM-QFS, etc.) runs on the host and transfers user and application data to and from file systems and tape media mounted on tape drives in the library.
In the SL8500library, commands and data travel over separate host interfaces, via a library control path and a data path.
In a switched fabric topology, all nodes on the storage area network connect to Fibre Channel switches that provide optimized, dynamic interconnections between nodes. When an SL8500library is connected to a Fibre Channel switch or fabric-capable host, it automatically configures itself for switched topology. This configuration can support up to 16 million ports on the fabric.
To configure library-attached drives on an SL8500library, you must use switched fabric topology.
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Note: The SL8500 library does not support tape drives configured in arbitrated loops. |
The SL8500 library has a library controller card, the HBC/HBCR. This card is responsible for coordinating all component operations within the library and provides the interface between the host and the library. The HBC/HBCR card has two ethernet management ports: 2B (the primary) and 2A that connect to the customer network. Depending on the network configuration and the host connectivity features selected, one or both of these ports may be used.
The SL8500library can be managed remotely over a TCP/IP local area network through SNMP by:
System administrators
Standards-compliant management applications
Customers using StorageTek Tape Analytics
For full information on configuring and using SNMP with the SL8500library, see the document SL8500 Library: Simple Network Management Protocol, available in the SL8500product documentation library on the Oracle Technical Network.
Library management software controls the library hardware and manages the library database. When the library is operating in automated mode, cartridge mount and dismount operations occur without manual intervention. Using audit data uploaded from the library, the software:
Tracks volume identifiers (vol-ids), attributes, and locations of cartridges
Allocates drives and requests library operations, such as entering, mounting, dismounting, and ejecting cartridges
Oracle offers several library management software components for various combinations of platform, connection type, and operating system.
Oracle's Enterprise Library Software (ELS) is a suite of software components that manage both tape libraries and virtual tape storage in a mainframe environment. The suite of software includes the following components:
The Host Software Component (HSC) manages volume pools and communication with the SL8500 library. HSC resides on the host, but is transparent to the operating system. A separate component, the Storage Management Component (SMC), provides the interface between z/OS operating systems and HSC. SMC resides on all MVS hosts that perform tape processing with HSC.
HSC and SMC work together to:
Influence allocations and determine policies, volume locations, and drive ownership
Translate user requests into library commands
Provide message handling
Virtual Tape Control System is the host software that enables centralized management of StorageTek virtual tape libraries, such as VSM and VLE. VTCS manages:
Virtual tape volumes and drives
Migration and recall of virtual volumes
Use of real tape cartridges and drives
In open systems environments, the Automated Cartridge System Library Software (ACSLS) software package provides library management services such as cartridge tracking, pooling, reports, and library control.
ACSLS maintains a database that tracks tape volume names and their current locations in the tape libraries. In CSC configurations, ACSLS manages the library control software that runs in the UNIX-based Library Control System.
ACSLS functions as the standard in automated library management software for Open Systems environments and efficiently shares library resources with just about any application on almost any platform. ACSLS offers many advantages when managing a tape library environment:
Processes multiple requests in parallel and optimizes use of large library complexes
Avoids delays caused by pass-thru between robots
Automatically recovers and retries requests that fail
Allows multiple clients to share a library
Simplifies support of new libraries and library features
Presents logical libraries through ASCAPI or SCSI media changer interface over fibre
Provides choice of interfaces
Changes library configurations while libraries remain online
Manages all libraries at a customer site from ACSLS
Provides a high availability option
A major feature of ACSLS is the ability to manage any combination of Oracle's StorageTek libraries, including combinations of the SL8500, SL3000, SL500 and legacy libraries such as 9310. This provides access to the latest ACS technology and to applications across libraries.
Detailed information about ACSLS can be obtained in the ACSLS documentation library on the Oracle Technical Network.
The SL8500 is compatible with several other Oracle products to provide a multifaceted storage solution. This list is not all inclusive, for more information visit the tape storage area of the Oracle corporate website.
Virtual Storage Manager (VSM) is a virtual tape system that optimizes the tape storage systems for mainframe platforms. VSM stores virtual tape volumes on a disk buffer called the Virtual Tape Storage Subsystem (VTSS). VSM then migrates (and stacks) the virtual tape volumes on the VTSS to real automated tape volumes that are mounted on real tape drives. The VTSS and virtual tape volumes allow VSM to optimize access time, throughput, and physical media and tape drive use.
The primary host software for VSM is the Virtual Tape Control System (VTCS). VTCS manages:
Virtual tape volumes and drives
Migration and recall of virtual volumes
Use of real tape cartridges and drives
Overall, the VSM-type solutions consist of a server, disk storage, and front-end software, that complement the physical tape and library products. The server, disk, and software provide a buffer or cache between the operating systems and the tape drives for storage in a library.
Library Content Manager (LCM) [formerly Expert Library Manager (ExLM)] manages Nearline and VSM resources. LCM optimizes overall performance by assuring there are adequate resources available for a scheduled job. LCM also includes LCM Explorer, a graphical user interface that allows a user to configure LCM by creating configuration files instead of parameter files.
Expert Performance Reporter (ExPR) software collects performance data and generates reports about status and performance. It provides information on manual tape systems, as well as Nearline and VSM tape systems. ExPR has both an MVS component and a PC component.
The client system component (MVS/CSC) allows SMC on MVS to use ACSLS as its library server.
Extended High Performance Data Mover (ExHPDM) is utility software that performs high-speed backup and restore of data sets by interleaving very large block sizes on high-speed, high-capacity tape devices.
ExHPDM achieves its speed by treating all data equally regardless of the type. Its only function is to move data from disk to very fast tape and back again.
ExHPDM's version of the best method to move data is to enable tape devices to move data at their maximum available speed:
Using 256 Kilobyte (KB) blocks or chunks of data
Interleaving the 256 KB blocks onto single or multiple tape volumes.
The ExHPDM software moves blocks of data in parallel from several concurrently executing MVS application programs. The data from the application programs is buffered into 256 KB tape block sizes in the application program's address space and the 256 KB blocks are interleaved onto single or multiple tape volumes.
Oracle's StorageTek Tape Analytics (STA) is an intelligent monitoring application, available exclusively for StorageTek Modular Tape Libraries. It simplifies tape storage management and allows the customer to make informed decisions about future tape storage investments based on the current health of the tape storage environment.
STA allows the customer to monitor globally dispersed libraries from a single, browser-based user interface. The customer can manage open systems and mainframe, mixed-media, and mixed-drive environments across multiple library platforms.
STA allows the customer to increase the utilization and performance tape investments by performing detailed performance trending analyses. These analyses are based on a regularly updated database of library operations.
There are a variety of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that have tested their applications and support connection to the SL8500. For the most current versions and compatibility refer to the independent software vendor website and documentation.
Some independent software applications include:
Quest NetVault 7.4+
CA ArcServe 16+
CA BrightStor 11.5
HP Data Protector 5.5/6.0+
Legato NetWorker 7.3/7.4/7.5+
SAM FS 5.2
Tivoli Storage Manager 5.5.+/6.+
Symantec BackupExec 2012 and Netbackup 6.0/6.5/7+
On different platforms, such as:
HP, HP-UX
IBM AIX
Linux, both Red Hat and Suse
Microsoft Windows
Solaris
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Note: Not every application is tested on every platform or platform version. |
The StorageTek Library Console (SL Console) is a standalone, Java-based or hosted, browser-based software application used to administer and monitor the SL8500 library. The SL Console can be accessed from the local operator panel, a stand-alone version on a PC or workstation, or through the Web-based SL Console to be installed on a centralized Web server and accessed through a browser. The table below lists the requirements for the stand alone version of SL Console.
Table 2-3 Stand Alone SL Console Requirements
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Platform |
Solaris 10.9 SPARC, Solaris 10.9 x86 Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 SP2: 64bit, Windows XP SP3: 32 bit or 64bit Windows Enterprise 7 SP1: 64 bit Oracle Unbrakable Linux 5 SUSE Enterprise Linux 10.2 |
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Other |
Ethernet connection to the library |
The table below lists the requirements for the web-based version of SL Console.
Table 2-4 Web-based SL Console Requirements
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Platform |
Windows XP: 32 or 64 (IE 7, Firefox 3.x), Windows7: 64 bit (IE 7, Firefox 3.x) |
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Other |
Java 1.5 Plug-in (the browser will install this automatically if it is not present already). Ethernet connection to the Web-launched SL Console server. |
The Web-launched SL Console is delivered to clients as a Java Web Start process, which executes outside the browser. The standalone SLC software is available for download at the Oracle Software Delivery Cloud, found under Oracle StoageTek products and Generic Platform at: http://edelivery.oracle.com/
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Note: Initializing StorageTek Library Console requires a one-time Administration password. A service representative must obtain this password for the customer. |
The SL Console allows a customer or operator to:
View and modify status and properties of the library and associated devices.
Manage and configure library partitions (optional feature).
Download new library firmware while the library is in operation.
Locate a cartridge or move a cartridge from one location to another.
Display library logs, error explanations, and context-sensitive help.
Perform an audit on all or part of the library
Perform a self-test on the library or an associated device
Perform a diagnostic move (exercise a robot)
Through the command line interface (CLI), Oracle support representatives can service the library using a serial connection to the CLI port on the HBC/HBCR library controller card. The CLI interface is reserved for authorized service personnel only, except for customers who use the StorageTek Tape Analytics (STA) server. For CLI commands related to the STA server, see the StorageTek Tape Analytics Installation and Administration Guide.
SL8500 firmware resides on the HBC library controller card. The HBC/HBCR card can hold up to two firmware versions. When firmware is upgraded, the earlier image of remains in memory and may be restored if required.
The firmware supports automatic discovery of tape drives, automatic discovery of new cartridge slots and added libraries, and automatic handling of dynamic World Wide Name (dWWN) assignments.
The SL8500 library includes the dynamic World Wide Name (dWWN) feature, that, when enabled, assigns world wide names to the library drive slots rather than the drives themselves. When a dWWN-named device is replaced, it is assigned the same WWN as the one it replaced, preventing reconfiguration of the network.
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Note: Both library and tape drives must have microcode or firmware that supports the dynamic World Wide Naming feature. |
With the dWWN feature enabled, tape drives do not appear to keep their original WWNs when they are migrated between libraries. A drive that was previously known to the SAN under its own, drive-specific WWN will no longer be recognized. For this reason, the best practice is to configure all drive bay slots in the library and verify that the tape drive data path is bound correctly over the SAN.
