IBM System Storage TS3100 Quick Manual page 3

IBM Linear Tape File System (LTFS)
LTFS is the first file system that works in conjunction with LTO generation 5 tape technology to set a new
standard for ease-of-use and portability for open systems tape storage. This drive is the first LTO
generation to introduce media partitioning, which allows LTO-5 media to be divided into segments,
improving accessibility by providing the ability to quickly locate data to retrieve or update.
With LTFS, accessing data stored on an IBM tape cartridge became as easy and intuitive as using a USB
flash drive. With LTFS file manager, reading data on a tape cartridge is as easy as dragging and
dropping. Users can run any application designed for disk files against tape data without being concerned
that the data is physically stored on tape. Built on the LTO Ultrium 5 format standard, IBM Linear Tape
File System Library Edition provides a direct, intuitive, graphical access to data stored in IBM tape drives
and libraries using LTO generation 5 tape cartridges.
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Benefits of LTFS Library Edition (LE) are as follows:
The graphical user interface helps reduce complexity by enabling an icon-based view of an LTO-5
library, including tape cartridges and files using the operating system's file manager.
LE helps reduce costs because it does not require any additional tape management software or
utilities.
The file system API of the operating system is used to provide a basic read/write interface to the tape
library for applications without any additional operating system enhancements such as "plug-ins" or
service packs.
"Mount-less" cartridge inquiry for fast access is achieved after the tape library is inventoried. Tape
cartridges do not have to be remounted to retrieve content index data, and basic cartridge information
like volume name, serial number, etc.
LTFS LE software can be ordered concurrently with hardware, or as software only for installed
supported tape libraries. LTFS LE for LTO-5 drives can be ordered as PID software base order
number 5639-LT1. The feature number is 5806.
IBM System Storage TS3100 and TS3200 Tape Libraries 3