IBM TS2900 Tape Autoloader Supports LTO-6 SAS Half-High Drive

IBM System Storage TS2900 Tape Autoloader (machine type 3572) offers IBM tape reliability, density, and performance for entry level and compact tape libraries at a cost-effective price in open system environments.

The TS2900 is part of the IBM System Storage tape library family of offerings.

TS2900, with a capacity of nine cartridges employing IBM patented high density slot technology, is a rack-mountable or deskside unit that contains a single IBM LTO Ultrium 6 half-high (HH) SAS Tape.

TS2900 Model S6H with the IBM Ultrium 6 HH SAS tape drive is designed to support the LTO-6 native data rate performance of up to 160MB/sec compared to the LTO-5 HH tape drive at up to 140MB/sec native data transfer rate. The TS2900supports the LTO-6 media specifications for LTO tape drive technology and LTO-6 media with a compressed capacity of up to 6.25TB with 2.5 to 1 compression (up to 2.5 native capacity) compared to previous LTO-5 compressed capacity of up to 3.0TB with 2:1 compression (up to 1.5TB native capacity) per tape cartridge.

TS2900 Model S6H can also read and write to LTO-5 cartridges, and read LTO-4 cartridges. The LTO-6 drive is encryption-capable and designed to support library managed encryption. TS2900 Models S6H and S5H also support IBM LTFS Library Edition and IBM LTFS Storage Manager software.

The TS2900 comes standard with a bar code reader and a removable magazine to provide nine cartridge slots, including a single I/O station. It has remote management capabilities to allow for remote administration of the TS2900 through a web interface. It can be configured to run in sequential (autoloader) or random (library) access mode. Optional features available for the TS2900 include rack-mount kits, deskside covers, and additional cartridge magazines.

Key prerequisites
Appropriate levels of host software are required to attach the TS2900 Tape Library with IBM LTO-6 to a range of environments, including selected Power Systems, System i,System p, System x, System z (zLinux), and other servers running HP-UX, Linux, Sun Solaris, and Windows OS environments with SAS interface support.

TS2900 Model S6H also supports IBM LTFS Library Edition and IBM LTFS Storage Manager software which are ordered separately.