Data Protection - Spectra Logic T-Series Spectra T950 User Manual

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Data Protection

The leading cause of tape damage is human error. Cartridges in TeraPack cases are
exempt from errors that can be induced by an operator's manipulation of individual
tapes. Using Spectra Logic Certified Media, TeraPack cases can be purchased pre-
loaded with bar-coded media. These cartridges are secure in a case before, during, and
after import and export. They are even secured in TeraPack cases during off-site or
vaulted storage, protected with the TeraPack case's clear plastic snap-fit dust cover.
To ensure ready access to the elements in the library, the library stores inventory data
in non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). Even after a power-down and restart,
the library retains its inventory.
Import/Export Efficiency
No library EE port is large enough to handle importing and exporting tape cartridges
in bulk. To export many tape cartridges, the library operator typically has to perform
multiple iterations of tape ejection and removal. These steps include removing data
cartridges one by one from the EE port, then closing the port and waiting while the
library robotics gather and eject tape cartridges one by one into the EE port again. At
this point, the operator has to remove data cartridges again, one by one.
Along with requiring multiple steps to remove tapes, the tapes may remain in a
traditional library's EE port for some time following an unattended backup, which is a
potential backup integrity and security issue.
Similarly, to import tapes, the library operator has to insert cartridges one by one into
the EE port, then wait while the library imports each cartridge. Only then can the
operator again insert cartridges one by one, repeating this series of tasks until all tape
cartridges are imported. TeraPack cases eliminate at least 90 percent of operator time
spent on these types of tasks.
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