Dell PowerVault Tape Libraries support for IBM Linear Tape File System Library Edition

Linear Tape File System provides a simple method for you to store, backup and archive data without the need for tape backup software.

Linear Tape File System IBM Linear Tape File System Library Edition Linear Tape File System (LTFS) functionality was software introduced in the LTO-5 generation tape drives and is The IBM® LTFS LE software creates a drive letter in the now also supported on LTO-6. An LTFS format creates file system once LTFS is mounted. Each cartridge in the an index and a data partition on the tape media, logical library assigned to the drive letter shows up as a allowing it to function more like a hard drive than directory under the drive letter. You can drag and drop traditional tape applications. data to the directories and create directories as needed for your specific needs. You can also use existing data movement applications to move data to an LTFS Primary benefits of LTFS mounted drive letter. The tape media still operates in a sequential fashion Portability causing read and write performance to vary based on LTFS is a fully self-describing format so the OS settings, file size, and file ordering. For LTFS LE best data on the media can be read by any practices, go to software compliant to the LTFS http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product- specification. This allows for easy support/product/powervault-lto6#powervault- interchange of data as there is no tape lto6/manuals?&_suid=14093304443510342267657074 backup software vendor compatibility to 7875. worry about. The minimum version for Dell tape library support is Data can be easily shared between IBM LTFS LE version 2.1.4. For more information on the organizations and companies. This IBM LTFS LE software, refer to the IBM LTFS LE provides cost-effective solutions for large Information Center. The IBM LTFS LE Information data transfer, such as cloud storage Center provides online documentation on how to seeding, or migration and large data sets, manage, plan, install, and troubleshoot the software. such as geologic surveys and closed- See the Information Center at circuit TV footage. http://pic.dhe.ibm.com/infocenter/ltfsle/cust/index.jsp.

Ease of use Dell Product Support LTFS functionality allows for linear tape media to present itself to the operating The IBM LTFS LE software is now supported on the system similar to removable disk media. following Dell products using Microsoft® Windows LTFS assigns a drive letter, then use drag Server® 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012, or and drop or file system commands to Windows Server 2012 R2. easily transfer data to tape media. These files and directories are visible on desktop  PowerVault TL1000/TL2000/TL4000 LTO-5 and and directory listings. LTO-6 drives  PowerVault ML6000 LTO-5 and LTO-6 drives  Dell LTO-5 and LTO-6 tape media

Linux® IBM LTFS LE software support is not available on Dell products. The Linux version is included on the media from IBM but it is not enabled for Dell products. The following drive firmware versions are the minimum Standalone Dell tape drives are offered as an external required: bridge box, internal to Dell PowerEdge servers, and in the PowerVault 114X are not supported in the IBM LTFS PowerVault TL2000/TL4000 LE software. The IBM LTFS LE and Single Drive Edition  LTO-5 drives - version E6Q3 (LTFS SDE) software cannot be installed on the same  LTO-6 drives – version E6R3 host system. LTFS media from LTFS SDE applications can be used in LTFS LE enabled libraries provided the PowerVault ML6000 media uses barcodes.  LTO-5 drives - version E6Q0  LTO-6 drives - version E6R0 For customers who need to continue using tape backup applications such as Dell NetVault Backup along with The following library driver versions are the minimum IBM LTFS LE, Dell recommends logical library required. The exclusive version of the driver must be partitioning to segregate tape drives between the used. applications. One logical library partition is assigned to each application. Customers should verify that the IBM PowerVault TL2000/TL4000 LTFS LE software and the tape backup applications have  Version 6.2.4.8 the same OS version requirements and dependent common components such as the device driver as they PowerVault ML6000 may conflict. If there is a conflict, the applications  Version 6.2.4.8 cannot reside on the same host system.

Refer to the Dell PowerVault Compatibility Matrix Technical Support (http://www.dell.com/support) for the latest supported Customers needing IBM LTFS LE software technical tape library hardware and operating systems. support should refer to the Support phone numbers and contacts section of the IBM LTFS LE Information Center Sales support for regional contact information. Customers will need to use the IBM customer number assigned to them at US Dell customers will purchase the IBM LTFS LE the time of software purchase to obtain IBM technical software directly from IBM. For purchase information, support. go to http://www- 03.ibm.com/systems/storage/tape/ltfs/index.html. Dell will continue to provide technical support for the PowerVault tape libraries per the customer’s existing Non-US Dell customers can navigate to the LTFS service contract. software from their country specific IBM.com page via Products -> Storage -> Tape -> LTFS.

Dell customers with existing IBM sales relationships can purchase through their IBM sales rep.

Library enablement

Customers may require drive firmware and library driver updates to support the IBM LTFS LE functionality on their libraries. Library firmware updates are not required to support the IBM LTFS LE functionality. Visit http://www.dell.com/support for the following drive firmware and library drivers. © 2014 Dell Inc. PV_LTFS_LE_sales_aid_091214