Overview - 3447 Digital linear tape library

Content

General information
The IBM 3447 Digital linear tape library with SCSI Fast/Wide 68-pin interface is an automated tape library supported on selected IBM Netfinity server and IBM PC Server systems.

The 3447 Digital linear tape library automates the latest DLT7000 tape drives. It includes one removable 10-cartridge magazine and five fixed cells, yielding a total of 15 cartridges. It can be configured with one or two DLT7000 tape drives. The latter offers additional enhanced functions such as faster transfer of data, simultaneous backup, concurrent read-write operations, and fault tolerance.

The model 105 is a stand-alone desktop unit and the model 106 can be mounted in an industry- standard EIA-310-D 19-inch rack, such as the IBM 9306 Netfinity Rack enclosure. It utilizes DLT- format tape cartridges that provide 35GB native capacity and up to 70GB with 2:1 hardware controlled data compression, giving the 3447 a typical storage capacity of up to 1.05TB with compression. The 3447 has a native data rate of 5MB per second and up to 10MB per second with compression. This is equivalent to 36GB per hour with compression on a one-drive model and up to 72GB per hour with compression on a split-host, two-drive model. A bar code reader, allowing for positive tape cartridge identification and inventory, and an operator display are included.

The IBM 3447 models 105 and 106 can be used for save/restore, program distribution, migration, data interchange, automatic migration of data between disk storage and tape, and mass storage for data archive. Full interchange of data is supported with the IBM 35/70GB Internal digital linear tape drive (00K7900) using DLT-format cartridges, used in the PC Server 704. In addition to reading and writing on DLT-format tape cartridges, the 3447 provides an enhanced functional alternative to 1/4- inch, 4mm, or 8mm tape drives. Storage and tape management for the 3447 is provided by software such as IBM Adstar Distributed Storage Manager (ADSM) and other industry-leading compatible software offerings.

NOTE: Although the tape drive in the 3447 provides the capability for high tape performance, other components of the system may limit the actual performance achieved. Also, although the compression technology used in the tape drive can typically double the amount of data stored on the media, the actual degree of compression achieved is highly sensitive to the characteristics of the data being compressed.

Features:

• Up to 525GB/1050GB data storage capacity
• Bar code reader
• External stand-alone desktop or rack-mountable models
• State-of-the-art cartridge handler designed for reliability
• Physical or software lockable door
• Front-panel graphical LCD display
• Operator control panel

• IBM 3449 8mm Tape Library Attaches to PC Servers (United States)
• Digital Linear Tape Library attaches to IBM Netfinity server and IBM PC Server systems Overview (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

• Description: Desktop tape library (model number 3447-105)
• Marketing part number: 59H3556
  
• Replacement part number (FRU): 59H3569

• Description: Rack tape library (model number 3447-106)
• Marketing part number: 59H3554
  
• Replacement part number (FRU): 59H3569

• Drive with load plate: 59H3569
• Library shell with black bezel: 39H3571
• Power module: 59H3560
• Library controller card, single ended: 59H3561
• Media magazine: 59H3558

• SCSI Cable: 49G6457
• Terminator, Single-ended: 92F2566
• DLT tape data: 59H3040
• DLT tape cleaner: 59H3092
• DLT tape diagnostic: 59H3039

• Announce date: 23 Sep 1997

• IBM PCI Wide UltraSCSI adapter (76H5407)
• Adaptec numbers Description PCI Fast/Wide UltraSCSI-2 (Adaptec part number AHA-2940UW)

• Microsoft Windows NT 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
• Novell NetWare 4.11

Handling of tape cartridges
Wrong handling of the DLT tape cartridges can cause damage not only to the cartridges itself but also to the Tape Device. IBM reported a case where two DLT Tape devices were damaged by defect tape cartridges.

The DLT tape drives have a piece of strong tape like material which is attached to the drum inside the tape drive. At the beginning of this tape there is a 'leader' - a small arrow head shape. Basically, when the cartridge is loaded, the leader attaches onto a tape loop on the cartridge and pulls the cartridge tape into the drive.

It can cause heavy damage not only to the tape but also to tape device if the leader is broken or mis-aligned and therefore the tape is pulled in a wrong way into the tape unit.

The tape cartridge comes with instructions advising that labels should not be attached to the front rear face. These instructions should be followed very carefully!

Related support documents

• Servers - Network Install Procedure for Windows NT on DLT 3447 and 3449
• Servers - ARCserve Install Procedure for Windows NT on DLT 3447 and 3449