Using tape libraries

You can use tape libraries to manage large amounts of data, either as part of a backup, archival and recovery system, or as part of typical IT operations.

Media management software, such as BRMS, automates many tape library functions. However, operating the tape library still requires that you manage both how the tape library resources are utilized and how it uses resources on the system. Moreover, maintaining cartridges is an integral part of tape library automation.

Tape library use without a media management application
While a media management application greatly simplifies and extends a tape library's capabilities, you can perform many tape functions in a System i® environment with control language (CL) commands, which are part of the operating system.
Reassigning cartridges when the system name changes
When the system name is changed, you should reassign cartridges.
Setting up a tape library as a stand-alone device
Occasionally, it might be necessary to use the tape resources in a tape library without the benefit of automation; for example, when you perform an alternate IPL or when the tape library automation is disabled.
Setting up a tape library as an alternate IPL device
Use the devices in a tape library for alternate initial program load (IPL) when they are attached to an input/output processor (IOP) and input/output adapter (IOA) in a position that supports an alternate IPL.
Controlling tape library resources using tape library attributes
Depending on your business environment you might want to control the use of tape resources to allow important jobs to finish quickly. IBM® i provides several features for this.
Making cartridges available to the tape library inventory
Before you can use the tape library, you must have media loaded and available.
Ejecting cartridges from the tape library inventory
All tape library devices use System i Navigator to eject cartridges. You can also use the Remove Tape Cartridge (RMVTAPCTG) command to change media to the *EJECT category.
Using the mounted category to load groups of tapes into a tape device
The mounted category allows a group of tapes to automatically be loaded into a tape device.
Sharing cartridges
You can share the cartridges in a tape library between multiple platforms and systems.
End of volume
If your system runs out of tape cartridges specified in the volume list, the CPA6798 inquiry message appears.
Avoiding deadlocked files during save and restore operations with tape libraries
Tape automation uses special files located in the QUSRSYS library. If these files do not exist on the system, IBM i supports a limited set of automation functions.
Optimizing tape library performance
Optimize the performance of your tape library by using work management and load balancing techniques. You can also attempt to improve the performance by using different connection configurations.
Viewing the capabilities of a tape library
You can use System i Navigator to view the capabilities for each tape library.

Parent topic: Using tape devices