This IBM® Redbooks® publication presents a general introduction to the latest (current) IBM® tape and tape library technologies. Featured tape technologies include the IBM LTO Ultrium and Enterprise 3592 tape drives, and their implementation in IBM tape libraries.

This 19th edition includes information about the latest IBM Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Ultrium 9 tape drive, IBM Diamondback tape library, IBM TS4500 tape library, IBM TS4300 tape library, TS2900 tape autoloader, along with technical information about each IBM tape product for open systems. It also includes generalized sections about Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) and Fibre Channel connections, and multipath architecture configurations.

This book also covers tools and techniques for library management. It is intended for anyone who wants to understand more about IBM tape products and their implementation. It is suitable for IBM clients, IBM Business Partners, IBM specialist sales representatives, and technical specialists. If you do not have a background in computer tape storage products, you might need to read other sources of information. In the interest of being concise, topics that are generally understood are not covered in detail.

Part 1. Tape basics of open systems

Chapter 1. Tape technology introduction

Chapter 2. Overview of IBM Linear Tape-Open Ultrium tape drives

Chapter 3. IBM TS1100 tape drives

Chapter 4. IBM TS2290 tape drive

Chapter 5. IBM TS2280 tape drive

Chapter 6. IBM TS2270 tape drive

Chapter 7. IBM TS2260 tape drive

Chapter 8. IBM TS2360 tape drive

Part 2. IBM tape libraries for open systems

Chapter 9. IBM TS2900 tape autoloader

Chapter 10. IBM TS4300 tape library

Chapter 11. IBM TS4500 tape library

Chapter 12. IBM Diamondback tape library

Part 3. Appendixes

Appendix A. Data storage values

Appendix B. IBM LTO Ultrium and 3592 media

Appendix C. IBM tape product names