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Performance requirements
You need to consider the backup window available, as well as the amount of
data being backed up when determining what your backup performance
requirements will be. It is also important to consider the need for quick access
to data committed to tape when selecting a solution.
Connection requirements
Will the tape solution be connected to an existing SAN fabric and, if so, will
this require additional fabric hardware?
Hardware and software compatibility
If you implement a new tape solution, you need to ensure that current backup
and management software is still suitable. IBM Tivoli® Storage Manager has
64-bit Windows and Linux versions of their client, and other software vendors
have similar products or plans for 64-bit versions.
Disaster recovery procedures may also need to be revised.
IBM offers a full range of high-performance, high-capacity and automated tape
solutions for xSeries servers. For detailed information on these products, go to:
http://ibm.com/pc/ww/eserver/xseries/tape.html
Note: The x455 and RXE-100 support 3.3 Volt PCI adapters only. Make sure
that any SCSI adapters you use to connect your tape subsystem are 3.3 V or
dual-voltage adapters.
The following IBM Redbooks discuss IBM tape solutions in greater detail:
IBM Tape Solutions for Storage Area Networks and FICON, SG24-5474
Netfinity Tape Solutions, SG24-5218
The IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Libraries Guide, SG24-5946
3.4 Rack installation
The x455 is 4U high and is intended for use as a rack-drawer server. Due to
power distribution considerations, it is recommended that no more than eight 4U
x455 chassis be installed in a single 42U rack, leaving 10U available for RXE-100
Remote I/O enclosures, disk or tape storage, or other devices.
The x455 is 27.5 inches deep, and is designed to be installed in a 19-inch rack
cabinet designed for 28-inch-deep devices, such as the NetBAY42 ER,
NetBAY42 SR, or NetBAY25 SR. Although the x455 system is rack optimized, it
may be converted into a tower by installing it in a NetBAY11 SR Standard Rack
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Chapter 3. Planning
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