IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library

A highly scalable, automated tape solution to address information availability, security, retention and compliance

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Highlights

  • Supports scalable, automated data retention utilizing high-capacity IBM System Storage™ Tape Drives
  • Enhances data availability and library reliability with optional dual library accessor
  • Provides data security and regulatory compliance via support for tape drive encryption and WORM cartridges

The IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library (TS3500 tape library) is designed to provide a highly scalable, automated tape library for mainframe and open systems backup and archive in midrange to enterprise environments.

The TS3500 tape library supports System z™ via the IBM 3953 Tape System (3953 tape system). The 3953 tape system enables System z hosts to access the TS3500 tape library cartridge inventory and allows connection to TS1130, TS1120 and IBM TotalStorage® 3592 Model J1A tape drives. The TS3500 tape library can support up to four 3953 tape systems, allowing for up to eight IBM Virtualization Engine™ TS7700 subsystems per physical library.


Common features

  • Ability to attach multiple simultaneous heterogeneous servers
  • Remote management using a Web browser
  • SNMP functionality
  • Advanced Library Management System (ALMS)
  • Persistent World Wide Name
  • Multipath architecture
  • Drive/media exception reporting
  • Remote drive/media management
  • Host-based path failover
  • Supports TS1120, TS1130 and TS1040 tape drive encryption

Hardware summary

  • One base frame, and up to 15 expansion frames
  • Up to 12 drives per frame (up to 192 per library)
  • Up to 224 I/O slots (16 I/O slots standard)
  • IBM 3592 JA/JJ/JB and JW/JR/JX (WORM) cartridges or IBM LTO Ultrium 4, 3, 2, cartridges
  • Up to 11 PB with IBM Ultrium 4 cartridges
  • Up to 18.6 PB with 3592 extended capacity cartridges
  • LTO Fibre Channel interface for server attachment
Feature Benefits
3593 tape system
  • Supports tape automation in a System z environment
  • Also supports the TS7700 Virtualization Engine™
Dual accessor option
  • Helps increase the mount performance and overall system availability
  • Two accessors can operate simultaneously in multiple frame configurations
Flexible upgrade path
  • Start with an entry base frame and expand at the time of need
  • Capacity on Demand configurations available
Remote, Web browser-based management
  • Access key management functions from any network connected computer
Redundant power supplies and AC feeds
  • Designed to increase reliability of the system
Control-path and data-path automatic failover
  • Helps to enhance the autonomic capabilities of the library
Mixed LTO Ultrium and 3592 media
  • Helps you protect current media investments
  • Support a heterogeneous environment
Supports TS1130/TS1120 and TS1040 tape drive encryption
  • Helps you secure sensitive at-rest data
Characteristics
Frame definition L23 – base frame for TS1130, TS1120 or 3592, D23 – drive capable expansion frame for TS1130, TS1120 or 3592, S24 – storage only expansion frame for 3592 cartridges
L53 – base frame for LTO, D53 – drive capable expansion frame for LTO, S54 – storage only expansion frame for LTO cartridges
HA1 – High Availability service bay frame for use with the dual accessor feature
Tape drive types TS1130, TS1120 or 3592 tape drives or IBM LTO Ultrium 4, 3, or 2 Tape Drives
Number of frames One base frame, up to 15 expansion frames
The TS3500 Model HA1 installation provides one of the two additional frames required as service bays in a dual accessor library
Number of drives Up to 12 per frame (up to 192 per library)
Number of tape cartridges L23 – up to 260; D23 – up to 400; S23 – up to 1,000; Total supported: Up to 6,260
L53 – up to 287; D53 – up to 440; S53 – up to 1,320; Total supported: Up to 6,887
Number of Input/Output slots Up to 224 (16 I/O slots standard)
Number of logical libraries Maximum of 192 (up to number of drives installed)
Number of 3953 Systems Maximum of four per TS3500 subsystem
Number of TS7700 Virtualization Engine Maximum of eight per TS3500 subsystem
Capacity1 IBM Ultrium 4 Cartridges: up to 5.5 PB (up to 11 PB with 2:1 compression)
3592 extended capacity cartridges: up to 6.2 PB (18.6 PB with 3:1 compression)
Media type L23/D23/S23: IBM 3592 JA/JJ/JB and JW/JR/JX Write Once Read Many (WORM) cartridges
L53/D53/S53: IBM LTO Ultrium 4, 3, 2 Cartridges
Dimensions (all frames) 70.9"H x 30.8"W x 47.7"D (1,800 mm x 782 mm x 1,212 mm)
Max. weight L23 – 1,079 lb (490 kg); D23 – 994 lb (451 kg), S23
L53 – 1,061 lb (481kg); D53 – 970 lb (440 kg), S53
Warranty One Year; IBM On-site Repair (IOR)
Operating environment
Temperature 16° to 32° C (61° to 90° F)
Relative humidity 20% to 80% (non-condensing)
Wet bulb maximum 23.0° C (73.4° F)
Electrical power 8.0 amps at 200 – 240 VAC; 1.6 kVA
Attachment and systems support The TS3500 tape library can attach to IBM Power™ Systems, System p™, System i™, and System x™ servers and non-IBM servers, workstations
Operating systems support Device driver support is available for IBM AIX®; IBM OS/400®; IBM i; Windows® 2000; Windows Server™ 2003; Linux®; Sun Solaris; and HP-UX

1 Capacity depends on drives installed, number and type of cartridges used, and compression ratio achieved. Listed capacity is physical. Usable capacity may be less.

2 TS1130 tape drives are not supported in the TS7700 Virtualization Engine at this time.