Quantum DLT 2000 Handbook page 104

Library Management
This class of software application allows your network to access
information stored on tape libraries and autoloaders. Library man-
agement applications can either be used as stand alone systems
that allow the operator to move cartridges around, take inventory
and find out what's on various tapes, or they can be used as a layer
of software between another application and the library. For
instance, the library management software may reside between
your backup software and the library itself.
Library management software is the choice of the user and varies
depending on the needs of their application. It makes sense that
many library vendors also provide library management software;
however, some do not provide it directly, but recommend a pack-
age that is compatible with their hardware. More and more ven-
dors of backup and archive applications are including support for
tape library systems. In many cases, dedicated library management
software includes a richer feature set than that included as part of a
backup and archive application.
The need for a dedicated library management application increases
with the number of storage applications running on your system. For
instance, a single tape library may be acting as a repository for engi-
neering data, as well as providing backup for your e-mail system.
Next, we'll look at some of the vertical applications in which
DLTtape systems are helping end users protect valuable informa-
tion and solve complex information distribution problems.
QUANTUM DLTtape HANDBOOK 9.11