The
TiBS Automated Tape Library Interface:
The latest release of TiBS includes support for automated tape
cleaning and tape library management. TiBS detects tape drive
cleaning status, automatically loads and unloads tape cleaners,
and tracks tape cleaner usage. TiBS can automatically place tapes
that are scheduled for offsite into import/export slots and request
new blank tapes as needed.
TiBS
uses a file checksum analysis to track data as it moves through
the backup system to ensure transfers are correct. This process
for each file begins with the computation of a checksum for the
data as it is backed up from the target system. The backup server
uses this checksum to verify correct network data transfer. During
any backup, checksum data is stored within the backup volume to
verify data on subsequent use. In rare instances, we have used
this technique to diagnose and fix subtle network hardware failures
where a specific block of data was corrupted during network transfer.
Each time the data is read by the backup server, it recalculates
and compares the checksum. This includes reuse of data as part
of the server's backup consolidation process, restore processing,
and optional tape and disk library verification processing. Our
checksum analysis detects hardware failures such as corrupted
disk cache volumes, bad tapes, and failing tape devices. In many
instances, our built in redundancy allows the failed backup volume
to be rebuilt from other backup volumes on the server. This ongoing
verification ensures that your backup hardware is performing properly
and can detect problems in advance of an actual restore request.
During a restore, the data is again verified for correct network
transfer to the restore client.
TiBS
includes this ability and requires bar-coded tapes and barcode
readers for all tape libraries attached to TiBS backup servers.
Our efficient Scalable File Index stores the location of every
file on every tape ever generated by TiBS on the backup server.
We currently support billions of files. With TiBS there is no
need to read the wrong tapes to find your data.
TiBS
also provides efficient mechanisms for the recycling of tapes
and barcode information. Many institutions we support began with
a desired level backup strategy, new tape library, and small mountain
of blank tapes. Over time they have decided to change level backup
strategies, experienced hardware and media failures, and sometimes
even run out of tapes before the next shipment arrives. These
are all serious issues organizations should take into account.
Not only do you want the ability to barcode tapes, you also need
to have flexibility to change your level backup approach, or to
remove tapes from the system due to bad media, damage by failing
tape drives, or potentially even a lost cartridge. You may also
wish to break mirrors to free tapes to continue backup until the
next shipment arrives or to recycle one half of the mirror after
a given tape retention period. TiBS provides you with flexibility
to manage and not just track your media.
