Full-function tape library capability using cost-effective AIT-3 and AIT-4 technology.

The Big Picture

• One or two drives with 16 cartridge slots.
• Capacity: AIT-4 is 3.2TB native (8.4TB compressed).
• Speed: AIT-4 is 172GB/hour native (448GB/hour compressed).
• Mirrored Backup: supports disaster recovery.
• Backup Consolidation: supports two servers.
• Off-line copy with no penalty.
• Field upgrade from one to two drives.
• Supports AIT-3 and AIT-4; roadmap to AIT-5 and AIT-6.
• AIT range: single drive to enterprise-wide libraries.
• Supports LVD, HVD, and FC connections.
• WORM enabled.

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GST’s Midrange AIT Library is part of our GrowthDR™ family. This mid-sized library uses AIT-4 tape technology to provide 3.2TB native (8.4TB compressed) of automated unattended backup. It spans the gap from GST’s Single and Dual Tape Subsystems on one end to our larger enterprise-wide libraries on the other end. A variety of unique capabilities not found in other tape backup systems include: Virtual Library Partitioning, Mirrored Backup and Off-line Copy.

The Midrange AIT Library holds sixteen data cartridges, or fifteen data cartridges and a cleaning cartridge. The Library can be used in a 14-day tape rotation procedure, allowing a full week, or even months, of unattended and automated data protection. An integrated mailslot (IO slot) allows for importing and exporting data cartridges without the need for a cartridge re-inventory.

This library can backup a wide variety of servers. They connect natively with LVD (low voltage differential), HVD (high voltage differential), and FC (fibre channel).

Model Overview

GST’s Midrange AIT Library is available in a wide variety of desktop and rackmount models. Library configurations for four different functions are available in three types of interfaces.

Listed below are the four different functional configurations:

Single-Drive Library. Automated unattended backup for one server. One drive; 16 cartridges.

Two-Drive Library. Designed for one server; permits separate backup jobs to run simultaneously on each drive. Two drives; 16 cartridges allocated as needed.

Mirrored Library. Designed for one server; produces identical backup sets simultaneously; supports Disaster Recovery. Two drives; 16 cartridges (8 per drive).

Virtual Library. Designed for backing up two servers. Two drives; 16 cartridges allocated as needed.

Note: Fibre Channel and SCSI hubs/routers can increase the total number of servers supported in all configurations.

Listed below are the three types of interfaces:

Low Voltage Differential (LVD). Maximum SCSI negotiation of 160MB/s; the total server-to-storage peripheral connectivity is 12 meters.

High Voltage Differential (HVD). Maximum SCSI negotiation of 40MB/s; the total server-to-storage peripheral connectivity is 25 meters.

Fibre Channel (FC). 2Gbit fibre interface.

AIT Technology

AIT tape technology has evolved through four generations: AIT-1, AIT-2, AIT-3, and AIT-4 and provides outstanding capacity and performance with a highly stable technology roadmap. AIT cartridges utilize MIC architecture, providing rapid time-to-data and multiple load points for partitioning data.

Native cartridge capacities for AIT-1, AIT-2, AIT-3, and AIT-4 are 35GB, 50GB, 100GB and 200GB (91GB, 130GB, 260GB, 520GB compressed) with speeds of 14GB/hour, 22GB/hour, 43GB/hour, and 86GB/hr (37GB/hour, 56GB/hour, 112GB/hour, and 224GB/hr compressed). Scalability is planned to a 6th generation product with native capacity of 800GB (2 TB compressed) and a speed of 345GB/hour (900GB/hour compressed). A 2.6-to-1 compression ratio is achieved with Adaptive Lossless Data Compression (ALDC) technology.

Key Benefits

Improved DR – GST’s Mirrored Backup function produces simultaneous sets of identical backup cartridges with no performance degradation and no software overhead; this provides off-site storage of one set to facilitate disaster recovery and a second set kept on-site for rapid restore.

Backup Consolidation – Backups can be consolidated with GST’s Virtual Library Partitioning that partitions a multiple-drive library to back up two different hosts or LPARs within a single tape library.

WORM Enabled – AIT2, AIT3, and AIT4 drives are available with Write Once Read Many (WORM) technology. WORM provides tamper-proof data protection with non-rewriteable and non-erasable data storage.

Simplified Weekly Backups – 16 cartridge configuration provides unattended AIT-4 backup capacities of 3.2TB native (8.4TB compressed), fully automating backups for an entire week, to the point each week when the cartridges are removed for safe storage.

Added Tape Functions – Off-line Copy/Verify is available with no processor penalty.

High Transfer Rates – AIT-4 native transfer rates up to 172GB/hour on Virtual Library models are increased to 448GB/hour with compression reducing time required for backups.

Fault-tolerant Backup and Restore – In the event of a drive failure within a mirrored module, the second drive will continue to operate, ensuring the backup is completed successfully.

Hardware Investment Protection – Highly scalable libraries feature multiple models that permit easy upgrades from one-drive to two-drive libraries or adding Mirrored Backup or Virtual Library Partitioning.

Media Investment Protection – AIT-3 and AIT-4 is backward-read compatible to AIT-1 and AIT-2, and forward-read compatible to future generations.

Key features

Virtual Library Partitioning – Cartridge slots can be assigned to a particular drive so the Midrange AIT Library is divided into two partitions. Each partition can be assigned to a host server or LPAR; permits backup consolidation of two servers/partitions using one GST library.

Compliance Ready – WORM technology supports compliance with new government data storage regulations that apply to the tamperproof safeguarding of data.

LCD Display Panel – This multi-function LCD Display Panel continuously displays key drive, robotics and backup job conditions and allows a qualified operator to perform diagnostics.

Mailslot – A separate Mailslot (IO slot) is used for importing and exporting individual tape cartridges under application control.

Barcode Selective Restore – Barcode reader permits cartridge scanning and supports random access for selective restore from specified cartridges.

Secure Cartridge Removal – Host-controlled lockable I/O door prevents unauthorized inserting and removing of cartridges or magazines.

Convenient Drive Interface – RS232 interface for updating firmware and optimizing drive performance.

Reliability – Simplicity of design, intelligent robotic mechanism and proven AIT technology all stack up to ensure trouble-free operation.

Small Footprint – Space-efficient size and light weight provides the best rackmount density for libraries available. Size: 7”h x 17”w x 18”d; weight: 42 lbs.

Service and Support – A variety of support programs provide installation and onsite service; includes GST’s Accelerated Ship Program (GASP) to get replacement units on the scene rapidly.

Warranty – Purchase price includes a built-in manufacturer’s warranty of three years.

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