Appendix B. Tape handling, Tape handling and storage

Appendix B. Tape handling

This section describes how to properly handle your tape cartridges to reduce wear on the 100/200 GB HH LTO Internal Tape Drive.

Tape handling and storage

Most tapes are supplied in sealed cartridges. Tapes are provided this way so that the tape will remain in a clean environment. Opening the cartridge enables dirt and airborne particles to enter and contaminate the cartridge. The cartridge must only be opened by the tape drive and not by an operator. The tape is also held under proper tension inside the cartridge. If the cartridge is dropped, this tension is relaxed. Inserting a dropped cartridge into a tape drive can often cause a misload that results in a jam. The jam ruins the tape and can cause physical damage if the cartridge is not removed properly. When you store tapes, place them in their protective containers and store them on their ends. Store the tapes in a clean, dry area at normal room temperature and away from magnetic fields.

Environmental issues

The operating environment might adversely affect tape drive operation. The tape drive is designed to operate in a clean environment. When tape is installed in a tape drive, the clearance between the heads and the tape is measured in microns. Even particles of smoke are larger than the space available between the tape and the heads. Other environmental factors that adversely affect tape drive operation are dirt, dust, fibers, and airborne particles. Ensure that you operate in a clean environment.

Tape drive cleaning

Even if the operating environment is clean, dirt might build up on the heads of any tape drive. Every time tape motion occurs, some of the media surface comes off on the heads. Over time, this material builds up, causing the tape head clearance to increase. The increased tape head clearance produces reading and writing errors. Most tape drives today have a built-in cleaning indicator to notify you when the tape needs cleaning.

Do not use any non-LTO cleaning cartridges with these tape drives. You can use cleaning cartridges only for a limited number of times. A cleaning cartridge is expired after it has been used for the maximum number of times as indicated. When a cleaning cartridge is expired, you must replace it. Never reuse an expired cleaning cartridge. If you continue to use an expired cleaning cartridge, you might reintroduce dirt to the tape drive and you might not clean the drive. To make sure that you know when your cleaning cartridge expires, make a notation on the cleaning cartridge each time you clean the tape drive.

HH LTO specifications

IBM's Linear Tape-Open (LTO) technology has become a cornerstone of data storage solutions, providing organizations with a reliable, cost-effective means to manage the vast amounts of data generated in today’s digital age. The IBM HH LTO, specifically referring to the Half-Height Linear Tape Open drives, brings together advanced features and technologies tailored to meet the needs of modern enterprises.

One of the main features of the IBM HH LTO drives is their impressive storage capacity. The latest LTO generation can store up to 18 TB of uncompressed data per cartridge, and with data compression, that number can effectively double to 36 TB. This high capacity allows organizations to store large datasets efficiently without needing to invest heavily in multiple storage media.

In terms of performance, IBM HH LTO drives are engineered for speed. With transfer rates that can reach up to 400 MB/s uncompressed and 800 MB/s compressed, these drives ensure that data backups and retrievals are swift and efficient. This boosts operational productivity, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than data management tasks.

Technologically, the IBM HH LTO utilizes advanced error correction and data integrity features. The integration of features such as Linear Tape File System (LTFS) simplifies data management by providing file-system-like access to tape data. This makes it easier for users to manage and retrieve specific files without the need to work through a cumbersome backup system.

Another characteristic that stands out is the drive's environmental sustainability. IBM LTO technology focuses on energy efficiency and lower total cost of ownership, making it an eco-friendly option for data archiving. The drives consume less power in standby modes, which aligns with enterprises’ growing sustainability goals.

Moreover, IBM's commitment to innovation is evident through its ongoing development of future LTO generations that are expected to enhance capacity, performance, and more advanced features, ensuring that businesses can continue to rely on LTO technology as their data storage needs evolve.

Overall, the IBM HH LTO drives embody a blend of high capacity, speed, reliability, and sustainability, making them an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize their data storage strategy while preparing for future growth.