TiBS Backup Software Modules for Tape Storage

Tape storage systems have been under attack for the last decade led by purveyors of optical, rotational, and flash storage manufacturers and their proponents. For a variety of data applications, however, tape remains the most stable long term economical media available and it keeps improving. Critics cite statistics favoring alternative media options while failing to acknowledge the electro-mechanical failures of platforms they advocate and the software systems used in storage, retrieval, and perhaps ongoing verification of all media types. Teradactyl provides our clients with the ability to use all of the aforementioned media technologies and knows the value and limitations each can provide. Just as important, the True incremental Backup System^® incorporates elements for data verification and backup volume repair on all media platforms. This gives us a true baseline of expectations and performance without a bias to prompt a client to use just one form of technology over all others. In this section, we will discuss the role of tape storage in modern data centers and our vision of how to carry your intellectual property forward in the future.

Tape technology has evolved considerably since we started business in January of 1999. Many of the technologies available at the time have been retired and new ones have emerged. Today, we see three major tape technologies; LTO, IBM TS series, and Oracle T series. Teradactyl provides two different automated tape library interface (ATLI) modules. Teradactyl supports all three technologies with a standard ATLI and an Automated Cartridge System Library Software (ACSLS) ATLI edition for Oracle^® StorageTEK^® robotic systems. Both of these modules do far more than than just initiating mechanical operations in the robot. TiBS monitors the health and usage of these systems, automatically maintains cleaning cycles, takes corrective measures for unexpected device behavior, temporarily removes drives from service for suspected malfunctions, and provides detailed reporting on health and performance.