External libraries

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If you cannot use a IBM Storage Protect native library (SCSI, 349x, ACSLS, and virtual tape library), configure external library support.

A typical external library configuration includes an external library manager such as the IBM Enterprise Removable Media Manager.

The Oracle StorageTek Automated Cartridge System Library Software (ACSLS) server or LibraryStation on z/OS manages the physical aspects of tape cartridge storage and retrieval. See Figure 1. The external library manager communicates with the ACSLS server or LibraryStation on z/OS to access tape cartridges in an automated Oracle StorageTek library. The storage agent is installed on a system that contains the external library manager and a IBM Storage Protect backup-archive client or a IBM Storage Protect data protection application client. This configuration provides access to SAN-attached storage devices by using LAN-free data movement. The continued connection to the LAN provides a metadata (control information) path. If the storage agent is not available, the SAN provides a failover path for data backup and recovery.

Figure 1. ACSLS library environment
The following systems are connected to a LAN and to a SAN: a IBM Storage Protect client, with a storage agent that acts as a library client; a IBM Storage Protect server that acts as a library manager; and an ACSLS server. An Oracle StorageTek tape library is attached to the SAN. An alternative to the ACSLS server is also depicted: a LibraryStation on z/OS that is connected to the tape library.

If you have data that is associated with the IBM Storage Protect ACSLS library type and want to take advantage of LAN-free data movement, you must consider coexistence and migration issues.