GST’s controllers provide hardware-level functions that set GST tape solutions apart.

The Big Picture

• Mirrored Backup: for improved disaster recovery.
• Off-line copying, cascading.
• Drives LCD Display Panel.
• Attaches to OS/400, Unix, Linux, Windows.
• Utilizes PCI-X (Ultra 160) Technology.
• Fault-tolerant capability with dual drives.
• Supports LVD and HVD SCSI connections directly.
• Supports Fibre Channel via our bridges and routers.

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GST’s Dual Drive Controller is a part of the Commander™ family of tape controllers that delivers capabilities not commonly found in tape backup systems: mirrored backup, off-line copy, cascading when a second drive is present and an LCD Display Panel for operators.

This controller facilitates the field upgrade process when a single-drive subsystem is upgraded to a dual-drive subsystem, or when Mirrored Backup is added.

It attaches to a wide variety of servers. It connects natively with LVD (low voltage differential) and HVD (high voltage differential) SCSI connections, and with Fibre Channel (FC) through our BridgeLink™ family of bridges and SanMatrix™ family of routers.

Model overview

GST’s Dual Controller is available in two models. Each model corresponds to one of the server-to-SCSI Adapter configurations shown below:

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.

Benefits

Field Upgrade to Dual Drives – The Dual Controller supports easy field upgrade of a single-drive subsystem to a dual-drive subsystem to add key functions: Mirrored Backups for greater disaster preparedness, off-line copying/verifying without using system resources, and cascading to double backup capacity by writing first to one drive and then to the second.

Utilize PCI-X (Ultra 160) Technology – Take advantage of newer, faster SCSI technologies as they become available. The Ultra 160 standard has a transfer rate of 160 MB/second and replaces earlier SCSI versions: Fast Wide SCSI (20 MB/sec.) and Wide Ultra SCSI (40 MB/sec.).

Hardware Investment Protection – Use of a Dual Controller preserves the investment in the Single AIT Subsystem when it is field-upgraded to a Dual AIT Subsystem. Only a second drive and the Dual Controller need to be added.

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

Features

IBM 3580 Emulation – This provides newer Low Voltage Differential (LVD) connectivity that is needed to support the PCI-X (Ultra 160) SCSI standard; also supports High Voltage Differential (HVD) SCSI connection.

Added Tape Functions – Key tape functions supported for dual-drive models: dual-drive mirroring for mirrored backups, off-line copying/verifying with no processor penalty, and cascading to double unattended backup capacity and ensure the backup is completed even if one drive fails.

LCD Display Panel – Real-time operator information is provided by the LCD Display Panel for key tape conditions to help operations personnel monitor the status of the drives and backup operation.

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

Service and Support – A variety of support programs provides 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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