StorageWorks TL891 DLT Mini-Library

The TL891 Mini-Library series provides automated backup and restore capabilities within the departmental secondary storage market. The TL891 provides a modular approach that enables the configuration of a custom solution as well as offers scalability from 700 GB to 6.3 TB. The TL891 base module can be configured with one or two DLT 35/70 (TZ89) library-ready drives for throughput of 5 MB/sec or 10 MB/sec (native) and offers 10 data slots for a capacity of up to 700 GB. The TL891 base module is offered as either a rack mount or tabletop configuration.

The TL891 product line includes three distinct modules: a TL891 Base Module, a Mini-Library Expansion Module, and a Mini-Library Data Module.

The TL891 Base Module can be configured with 1 or 2 Compaq DLT 35/70 drives, for a throughput of 5 MB/sec or 10 MB/sec (native) and offers 10 data slots for a capacity of up to 700 GB. The TL891 base module is offered as either a rack mount or tabletop configuration.

The Compaq Mini-Library Expansion Module can be easily added to the TL891 (rack mount version only), enabling multiple TL891 modules to share data cartridges and work as a single virtual library. Aside from providing multiple unit capability, the DLT Expansion module provides 16 additional data slots for an additional 1.1 TB of capacity.

The Compaq Mini-Library Data Module can be added to provide additional 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 1.1 TB of capacity. With the introduction of the DLT Data Module, the customer can custom configure a TL891 based library solution which is extremely price effective.

The TL891 products use the same Compaq Mini-Library Expansion Module as the TL881. This module can be easily added to the TL891 (rack mount version only) to enable multiple TL891 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 1.1TB of capacity.

The performance specifications for the TL891 product offering can address over 65 percent of the current secondary storage market (DLT libraries <40 slots), making the TL891 a significant part of the Compaq DLT automation product line.

The TL891 offers 700 GB to 6.3TB of automated DLT backup and restore for mission-critical data running on Windows NT, NetWare, Tru64 Unix and OpenVMS operating environments. It is the only mini-library device fully qualified by Compaq to run behind both the ProLiant and AlphaServer product families. The TL891's scalable performance and capacity, using multiple TL891 modules, allows for customized configurations enabling customers meet specific backup and restore requirements. The solution can also be easily expanded in the field with the purchase of additional modules.

Key Features

• Supports one or two DLT 35/70 (TZ89) drives for native transfer rates up to 36 GB/hr in a single module
• Stores up to 700 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 (6.3 TB in capacity) or 10 DLT 35/70 (TZ89) drives (up to 180 GB/hr).
• High robotic reliability with half million mean swaps between failure backed by a 3-year product warranty
• Compact form factor offers high capacity per rack "U". Single module fits into 4U rack space
• User-friendly LCD push-button panel controls user intervention, set-up, control and failure status
• Compatible with major O/S and ISV software products
• Easy bulk loading and offsite data storage using 10-cartridge removable magazine
• Easily serviced drives and robotic unit

Key Benefits

• 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)
• Maximizes use of valuable rack space
• High reliability equates to less downtime
• Library can be managed from a remote site through 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 modular design
• Multi-modular configuration offers redundancy for manual failover capabilities

Target Environments

• Customers running Compaq ProLiant/Windows NT-based solutions or Compaq AlphaServer based solutions in the entry-level, departmental or enterprise space
• Customers who manage medium and large data base applications (MS Mail, Lotus Notes, Internet servers, SAP, BAAN , Oracle), who need a mid-range capacity 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 TL891 is targeted toward back up and restore applications for medium to large database servers running mission critical consolidated databases. These database applications typically operate on workgroup-, departmental- or enterprise-class servers with >350GB server storage. These customer organizations have a requirement for frequent, consolidated backups and with forecasted annual data growth rates in excess of 50%, requiring a highly scalable solution.

Information

Capacity (native):
Single Module - 700 GB
Maximum Configuration (6 modules) - 6.3 TB

Performance (MB/second native):

Single Module
5 MB/second (one drive), 10 MB/sec (two drives)
Can be configured for 1 or 2 drives
Drive add-on units available

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

Tape Technology:
DLT 35/70

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

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