Tape Virtualisation / Virtual Tape Management

Benefits

• Fast, secure and reliable Disaster Recovery
• Provide fast, secure and reliable backups without tapes
• Remove costs for physical tape media
• No channels necessary (ESCON and FICON)
• Connecting storage management easily via TCP/IP
• Constant data availability
• Cut energy costs and CO2 emission
• 1:1 takeover by defining a 3490
• Constant data availability
• Only required space is reserved, no more idle capacity
• Controller runs on all operating systems supporting JAVA

Highlights

• Supports current IBM operating systems (z/VM and z/VSE)
• Unlimited amount of Controllers
• Configure 256 virtual Tape Drivers per Controller
• AES-256 encryption and compression
• Replicate to additional backup-sites of tape files
• Backup tape files with any software on any media
• Use common storage and NAS-resources
• User-friendly interface and easy handling (Web-Interface)

IVTM-VTAPE for z/VSE, z/VM, EPIC and DYNAM/T

IVTM-VTAPE supports z/VM, z/VSE, EPIC and CA-Dynam/T for the provision of tape-resources and provides access to the IVTC. Access to virtual tape systems is similar to real tape systems. This allows the automated migration without changes to the appliations and jobs.

With IVTM single tape systems (real 3480, 3490 and virtual tape systems) can be defined into a group. Then POOL-definitions are set above the groups. A single POOL consists out of a Volser range and a reference to a group of drives. This technology provides output and load of tape files. Using real tapes today, with just a single change in POOL-definition you can output to a virtual tape tomorrow.

z/VSE

IVTM is an enhancement to z/VSE. All accesses to tape files are handed over to IVTM. IVTM takes care that the resources on the media (real or virtual tape system) are provided. If at the moment no resource (drive) is available, then it waits for a free resource. After completion of processing IVTM makes sure that the single resources are de-allocated. By a command processor the operator can manage and control access to the resources (drives, POOLS, groups). The single resources are secured via the LOCK-file of z/VSE.

z/VM

Via dedicated programs minidisks or whole discs can be saved to the Virtual Tape Server or back. Data is compressed and send to or receied from the server.All tape files get the standard IBM label and therefore can be identified uniquely. By a command processor the operator can manage and control access to the resources (drives, POOLS, groups). Backup of single virtual CMS systems kan be places into different POOLS. Management is provided by a profile with definitions for all users and IVTC systems.

EPIC

IVTM supports the tape management system EPIC. If EPIC requires a tape resource the respective POOL and group of drives is picked based on the transmitted data. If a drive is available in the group the resource is provided on this drive. If at the moment no resource is available, then it waits for a free resource. The Virtual Tape System IVTC includes its own SCRATCH-Management. IVTM takes care of the synchronisation with the EPIC catalogue.

Dynam/T (CA)

IVTM supports the tape management system Dynam/T (CA). If DYNAM/T requires a tape resource the control is handed over to IVTM. IVTM then picks the POOL and the group of drives based on the transmitted data. If at the moment no resource is available, then it waits for a free resource. Data is then handed bacl to DYNAM/T.

IVTC Virtual Tape Controller

IVTC is the right way to simplify and improve your operations and organise your data center more dynamically and flexible. Using IVTC ultimately cuts your IT-costs.

For further information click here.