IBM TS2900 Tape Autoloader With 9 Cartridges

IBM TS2900 tape autoloader (SEO part numbers 6171S6R, 6171S5R, and 6171S4R) offers tape reliability, density, and performance for entry level and compact tape libraries at a cost-effective price for open system environments.

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

With a capacity of nine cartridges employing IBM-patented high density slot technology, it is a rack-mountable or deskside unit that contains a single IBM LTO-6 half-high SAS tape, LTO-5 HH SAS tape, or LTO-4 HH SAS tape.

The autoloader with LT0-6 half-high SAS (SEO part number 6171SR6) combined with the IBM LIO-6 tape drive is designed to support the LTO-6 media specification native data rate performance of up to 160MB/s. It supports the LTO-6 media specifications for LTO tape drive technology. TS2900 Model S6H supports the LTO-6 media specification of a compressed capacity of up to 6.25TB with 2.5 to 1 compression, up to 2.5TB native capacity per tape cartridge. LTO-6 drives can read and write LTO-6 or -5 data cartridges, and can read LTO-4 cartridges.

The autoloader with LT0-5 half-high SAS (6171S5R) provides a native data transfer rate of up to 140MB/s with the LTO-5 HH tape drive based on the 1.5TB native physical capacity with the LTO-5 cartridge. LTO-5 drives can read and write LTO-4 cartridges and can read LTO-3 cartridges.

The TS2900 with LTO-4 HH SAS (6171SR4) provides a native data transfer rate of up to 120MB/s with the LTO-4 HH tape drive based on the 800GB native physical capacity with the IBM LTO-4 cartridge. LTO-4 drive can read and write LTO-4 and -3 cartridges, and can read LTO-2 cartridges.

The LTO-6, U-5, and -4 drives are encryption-capable and designed to support library-managed encryption. TS2900 models S6H and S5H also support IBM LTFS Library Edition and 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 are available including rackmount kits, deskside covers, and additional cartridge magazines.

Key prerequisites: Appropriate levels of host software are required to attach the TS2900 with IBM LTO-6,-5, or -4 to environments including select System x and other servers with SAS interface support.

TS2900 Models S6H, S5H, and S4H also support IBM LTFS Library Edition and LTFS Storage Manager software which are ordered separately.