StorageWorks TL881 DLT Mini-Library

The TL881 DLT Mini-Library series provides automated backup and restore capabilities within the entry level and departmental secondary storage market for ProLiant Servers running Windows NT or NetWare. The TL881 product offering provides a low cost modular approach that enables the configuration of a custom solution as well as offers scalability from 400 GB to 3.6 TB. The TL881 product line includes three distinct modules; a TL881 Base Module, a Mini-Library Expansion Module, and a Mini-Library Data Module. The TL881 Base Module can be configured with 1 or 2 Compaq DLT 20/40 drives, for a throughput of 1.5 MB/sec or 3.0 MB/sec (native) and offers 10 data slots for a capacity of up to 400 GB. The TL881 base module is offered as either a rack mount or tabletop configuration. The tabletop unit can also be ordered as a single ended device for direct connectivity to the ProLiant FWSE controller.

The TL881 products use the same Compaq Mini-Library Expansion Module as the TL891. This module can be easily added to the TL881 (rack mount version only) to enable multiple TL881 modules to share data cartridges, working as a single virtual library. Aside from providing multiple unit capability, the Mini-Library Expansion module provides an additional 16 data slots for an additional 640 GB of capacity.

The Mini-Library Data Module is similar to the Expansion Module but does not act as a master robotic controller. This module includes 16 data slots (no drives), for an additional 640 GB of capacity. With the introduction of the Mini-Library Expansion Module or Mini-Library Data Module, the customer can custom configure a TL881 based library solution that is extremely price effective.

In order to be a successful part of the new Compaq Storage Product offering, the TL881 has been qualified behind Windows NT and NetWare Operating Systems using industry standard application software, and as a direct attached device on existing ProLiant server platforms (Alpha support to follow).

Compaq StorageWorks TL881

The TL881 offers 400 GB to 3.6 TB of automated DLT backup and restore for mission critical data running behind Windows NT and NetWare operating environments. It is the most cost-effective mini-library device that is fully qualified by Compaq to run behind the ProLiant Server series. The TL881's scalable performance and capacity, using multiple TL881 modules or using Mini-Library Expansion and Data Units, allows for customized configurations, enabling the end user to configure their TL881 solution to meet their specific backup and restore requirements. With the purchase of additional TL881 modules, the TL881 solution can also be easily expanded in the field. In addition, the TL881 is the perfect product for a customer who is looking for a low cost way to introduce DLT automation within their backup plans. With the ability to scale up to 3.6 TBs and the ability to convert to future DLT drive technology (40/80 DLT), the TL881 offers true investment protection, allowing the backup solution to grow at the same rate as the data it backs up.

Key Features

• Supports one or two Compaq 20/40 DLT drives for native transfer rates up to 10.8 GB/hr in a single module
• Stores up to 400 GB of data capacity (using 2:1 compression) in a single module
• Field scalable modular design can be configured up to 6 modules for a maximum configuration of 90 slots (TL881/Expansion Module/4 x Data Modules) for 3.6 TB in capacity or 10 Compaq 20/40 DLT drives for up to 54 GB/hr of performance.
• High robotic reliability with > half million mean swaps between failure backed by a 3 year product warranty (the longest warranty in the market).
• Compact form factor offers high capacity per rack "U". Single module fits into a slim 4U-rack height.
• User friendly LCD push button control panel with multi-functional capabilities allows for user intervention, set-up, control and failure status.
• Compatible with major O/S and ISV software products.
• Easy bulk loading and off-site data storage using 10 cartridge removable magazines.
• Easily serviced drives and robotic unit
• Future upgradeability to a 40/80 DLT based solution

Key Benefits

• Low cost DLT automation device with full scalability into multiple terabytes
• Can be used to backup multiple servers/databases within a single manageable unit
• Enables shorter backup windows with high throughput capability
• Compatible with wide variety of end user installations (operating systems, application software, platforms)
• Requires limited rack space
• High reliability equates to less downtime
• Library can be managed from a remote central site using Compaq Insight Manager
• Does not require special training to operate
• Removable data magazine enables customers to meet off-site storage requirements
• Provides investment protection through scalable and upgradeable modular design
• Multi-modular configuration offers redundancy for manual failover capabilities

Target Environments

• Customers who are operating traditional Compaq / NT based solutions within the entry-level or departmental space.
• Customers who manage small, medium and large data base applications (MS Exchange, Lotus Notes, Internet servers, SAP, BAAN , Oracle), who need a low end or mid-range centralized automated backup strategy which can be easily expanded as the size of the data bases grow.
• Customers who are no longer comfortable with single tape automation solutions or solutions which use autoloaders, where the device capacity or throughput is fixed or limited.
• Customers for whom the simple rules for drive to slot ratio no longer apply.
• Customers who require a customer configurable solution.
• Those who require high drive counts for maximum throughput, or those who require high slot counts for maximum capacity

The TL881 is targeted toward backup and restore applications for small to medium database servers running mission critical consolidated databases. These data base applications typically operate on workgroup, departmental or enterprise class servers with >200GB of consolidated server storage. These organizations have a requirement for frequent consolidated backups and have forecasted data growth rates in excess of 50% per year, requiring a highly scalable solution. They also are limited to spending approx. 10% of there is budget on secondary storage, thereby requiring a product which demands a small initial investment.

Information

Capacity (native):
Single Module - 400 GB
Maximum Configuration (6 modules) - 3.6 TB

Performance (MB/second native):

Single Module
1.5 MB/second (one drive), 3.0 MB/sec (two drives)
Can be configured for 1 or 2 drives
Drive add-on units available

Maximum Configuration (6 modules)
15 MB/sec (ten drives)

Tape Technology - Compaq 20/40 DLT External Form Factor:
Table Top - 8 inch H x 19 inch W x 23 inch D
Rack Mount - 7 inch H (4U) x 17 inch W x 22 inch D

SCSI Interface:
68-pin high-density differential
Single ended available on tabletop units

Reliability:
MSBF - 500,000
MTBF - 280,000 hours