The recently introduced SDLT600 sets new standards in the field of midrange tape technologies. 300 GByte uncompressed capacity per tape cartridge and a data transfer rate of 36-72 megabytes/second (depending on the compressibility of the data) allow the compressed maximum capacity to rise to over 150 thousand bytes. In this, backup and restore speed of up to 1.5 thousand bytes per hour are possible for an M2500 module, depending on the number of drives used, and corresponding multiples are possible when several modules are combined.

These services represent not only the reliably safe archiving of large quantities of data, but also enable quick access to the saved information. Compared with the previous LTO2 variants, there is a 26% increase in capacity and a 12% higher speed.

The modular concept of the Tandberg M-Series libraries is built upon two basic modules - the M1500 module with one or two drives and 21 SDLT or 25 LTO tape cartridges and the M2500 module, which can take one to six drives and provides space for 84 SDLT or 100 LTO tape cartridges. These modules can be used individually or connected together in groups. The connecting of several modules is carried out physically as well as logically by means of the stack link, a "cartridge lift" in the rear part of the modules. In this way, several modules can be operated as a large library. At the same time, it is possible to transport media away via all modules.

From a practical standpoint, this gives the user tailor-made library solutions, which can be adapted precisely to requirement regarding capacity and data speed, and, in addition to this, the M-Series libraries permit future expansions, which build directly on the existing system.

With the SDLT600 library solutions, however, not only can new installations immediately benefit from the advantages of the new drive, but it is also possible to retro-fit existing SDLT libraries with SDLT600 drives. Due to the backwards compatibility with the SDLTtape1 cartridges, it is also possible to access existing data sets which have been produced with SDLT320 drives. The upgrading itself is carried out by simple replacement of the drive boxes, which also contain a sufficiently large fan as well as all the necessary connections.

Mixed operation of SDLT320 and SDLT600 drives in the libraries is also possible. In this, it is only necessary to make sure that drives and cartridges are appropriately assigned and administered by the software, as the SDLTtape2 cartridges of the SDLT600 drives can not be used in the older SDLT320 devices.

Overall, the M-Series libraries, with the new SDLT600 drives, now offer storage volumes, which are capable of keeping up with the requirements of most applications.

Modular, Stackable Data Protection
The M-Series, M1500 and M2500, is an automated tape library family that allows cross-product intermixability and true modular scalability. The M-Series automated tape libraries are designed for companies that are seeking the ability to scale their tape backup solution as their needs change while maximizing their total backup investment. Whatever the size of the organization, the M-Series' modular design allows for easy upgrades, reliable data backup and highly available data protection where and when it's needed. With the greatest density per cubic foot in its class, the M-Series libraries require very little valuable data center space to accomodate their compact designs.

Flexible Configurations to Meet Changing Needs
With the ability to mix and match the M1500 with M2500 modules, the M-Series product family can be right-sized for all storage needs. The M2500 adds increased value and scalability to existing M1500 libraries, without moving over to a new library platform.

Scalable from one to 20 drives for a performance up to 4.3 TByte/hr
Expands from 20 to 300 cartridges for native capacity up to 60 TByte
Supports Tandberg SDLT600, SDLT320, LTO Ultrium1 or LTO Ultrium2 tape drives
Fast, easy expansion with multiple intermixable M1500 and M2500 modules
Move, replace and add modules as needed while systems stay online
Hot-swappable tape drives and hot-swappable redundant power supplies
3-year warranty

It eliminates the problem of buying more backup capacity and performance than required and, with its incremental modularity, the M-Series can help manage the backup budget on a "buy as-needed" basis. Modules can be ordered in driveless configurations when only capacity requirements increase. To accommodate future or unexpected growth, modules can be added as needed through a simple field upgrade without returning current products to the factory and without taking the installed units "offline" or out of the rack.

Modularity for the Greatest Flexibility
Up to ten M1500 or up to three M2500 modules can be configured in a standard 72-inch high rack to look and act like a single large library by utilizing the StackLink™ pass-through mechanism. Management of the modules is simple - any module can act as the control module and the stack is "seen" as a single library to the software. Each M1500 module includes two removable magazines while the M2500 module includes eight removable magazines1 that allows for easy bulk loading and unloading.