1 Introduction

Oracle's StorageTek SL3000 modular library system is a midrange storage solution that offers flexibility, scalability, and high availability. The SL3000 library uses a modular design to meet the demands of rapidly growing and constantly changing environments.

This guide is intended as an introductory and planning resource for the SL3000 library. For detailed information about this product or other Oracle tape storage products, refer to the product documentation library on the Oracle Technical Network:

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/documentation/tape-storage-curr-187744.html

Library Features

Modular Design

Consists of five module types: base module, drive expansion module, cartridge expansion module, parking expansion module, and access expansion module
Provides storage capacity for 200 to 5,925 cartridge slots and 1 to 56 tape drives
Provides cartridge loading for up to 260 cartridges using rotational cartridge assess ports, as well as bulk cartridge loading capabilities from 234 to 468 cartridges using access expansion modules

Capacity on Demand

Provides the ability to expand non-disruptively in real time by activating previously installed physical capacity
Allows customer to purchase hardware in advance, but only pay for currently required capacity

Any Cartridge, Any Slot

Supports multiple drive types (T9840, T10000, LTO)
Allows any cartridge type to be placed anywhere in the library

CenterLine Technology

Allows modules to be added to either side of the base module
Supports optional redundant robots for improved performance
Balances work load, improving efficiency and performance

Multiple Software and Connectivity Options

Supports both open systems and mainframe library management software options
Allows for multiple host connectivity and partitioning options
Allows for dual control paths using either TCP/IP or Fibre Channel

Redundancy and Failover Protection

Supports optional redundant electronics for failover protection
Provides multiple power redundancy options
Supports optional redundant robotics to increase library efficiency

Software Options

The main options for library management software 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:

Linear Tape File System (LTFS)
Virtual Storage Manager (VSM)
Library Content Manager (LCM) and Expert Library Reporter (ExPR)
StorageTek Tape Analytics (STA)
Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and other 3rd party backup and archive applications

Tape Drive and Media Compatibility

The SL3000 library supports:

StorageTek T-Series (T9840C or D and T10000 series)
Linear Tape-Open (LTO) generations 3, 4, 5, and 6