IBM i optical storage

Virtual optical library and transition from 3995, 3996, and 399F

Image catalog optical media library for archive

New capabilities are available to provide virtual optical library support with the IBM i 7.1 image catalog, easing transitions from IBM 3995, IBM 3996 and Plasmon optical libraries. These capabilities are available through an IBM Lab Services Offering and PTFs beginning in i 7.1.

The image catalog optical media library (virtual optical library) is an alternative to physical optical libraries that attach to the IBM i for use as an archive storage repository with existing applications. Because this offering is based on virtual optical media stored in IFS directories, it has no dependencies on optical library hardware or host system adapters that can no longer be purchased. It is compatible with the latest POWER systems hardware and IBM i operating system versions. It maintains current application interfaces, so it offers a migration path from existing optical library media and preserves optical library enabled application investments.

Image Catalog support is extended in i 7.1 to support loading a catalog to a 632B-001 virtual optical device in library mode. This enhancement of Image Catalog function enables the virtual optical device to function as a virtual optical library, and all volumes in the library-mode catalog are visible and accessible through the /QOPT file-system with no application changes. New virtual optical media types WORM and ERASE are also supported to emulate the characteristics of corresponding physical optical library media and facilitate compliance with data retention requirements.

High speed migration of existing optical library media to the virtual device is supported with Image Catalog functions. New media images can also be created for ongoing archive production usage. Image Catalogs can be moved off-line or saved using backup/recovery strategies or individual volume images can be duplicated to recordable DVD media.

Image Catalog Media library for Archive (224KB)

Using image catalog for enhanced optical library data migration

New capabilities are available that enhance the process and speed of data migration from optical library devices on the IBM i. These capabilities are available through a Lab Services Offering and PTFs beginning in V5R4M5.

Using Image Catalog for Enhanced Optical Library Data Migration in an IBM i Environment (253KB)