1 Introduction

Oracle's StorageTek SL500 Modular Library System is a storage solution that offers flexibility, scalability, and high availability. The product uniquely addresses clear customer requirements for very high availability defined as near-zero:

• Near-zero scheduled downtime through dynamic additions in capacity (slots) and throughput (tape drives)

• Near-zero unscheduled downtime through improved reliability, redundant components, and hot-swappable components

The SL500 library is simple to manage and easy to monitor with remote (standard) and local (optional) operator panels. The SL500 library is cost competitive with base configurations and the scalability to grow as needed by the customer. The SL500 library has high reliability that results in lower service costs, providing the customer with a lower total cost of ownership.

Library Features

The SL500 library provides customers with the flexibility to design a storage system solution that meets their specific needs. A few major library features include:

• Modular Design

  • Consists of three module types: base module, drive expansion module, and cartridge expansion module.

  • Provides storage capacity from 24 to 575 cartridge slots and 1 to 18 tape drives.

• Capacity on Demand

  • Provides ability to expand non-disruptively in real time by activating previously installed physical capacity

  • Allows customer to purchase hardware in advance, but only pay for currently needed capacity

• Multiple Software and Connectivity Options

  • Supports several library management software options

  • Allows for multiple host connectivity and partitioning options

Library Overview

The SL500 library, shown in the figures below, is a self-contained, fully automated, cartridge tape storage system that is scalable and mounts into a standard 483 mm (19 in.) rack or cabinet. The base module is also available as a desktop version.

For physical dimensions of the library, see "Library Dimensions".

Figure 1-1 Front View of Library Components

1. Base module

2. Expansion module

3. Library door

4. Expansion module cartridge access port

5. Library door lock

6. Base unit cartridge access port (CAP)

7. Keypad

8. Robotics unit (with removable facade)

Figure 1-2 Rear View of Library Components

1. Base module

2. Drive expansion module

3. Cartridge expansion module

4. Redundant power supply

5. Standard power supply

6. Power supply cord receptacle

7. RLC controller card

8. MPU2 (Fibre Channel) or MPW/RLW (SCSI) PUA2 (Dual Port Fibre Channel)

9. Library main power switch

10. Library fans

11. Tape drive 1 in base unit

12. Tape drive 1 in expansion module

The base module contains the robotics unit and the base unit:

• The robotics unit has the robotic components and the keypad.

• The base unit has up to 50 cartridge slots, one or two tape drives, and a 5-slot cartridge access port (CAP).

Expansion modules can be added below the base module:

• Cartridge expansion modules (CEMs) provide additional cartridge storage.

• Drive expansion modules (DEMs) increase the number of drives in the library and provide additional cartridge storage.

The Capacity on Demand feature allows the customer to add capacity as storage requirements increase, see Chapter 2, "Capacity" for more information. Additionally, the SL500 has partitioning capabilities, see Chapter 3, "Partitioning" for more information.

For details about the library hardware and other features, see Chapter 4, "Features and Hardware". For SL500 ordering information and part numbers, see Chapter 7, "Ordering".

Tape Drive and Media Compatibility

The following drives and media are compatible with the SL500 library:

• Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Ultrium tape drives:

  • Hewlett-Packard LTO Generation 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

  • IBM LTO Generation 2, 3, 4, and 5

• Quantum Super Digital Linear Tape (SDLT) tape drives:

  • SDLT 320

  • SDLT 600

  • DLT-S4