StorageTek 6 manual Loading Cartridges Into the Library, Reduce Pass-Thrus

Loading Cartridges Into the Library

There are different methods that can be used to load an LSM with cartridges at installation time. There are advantages and disadvantages involved for each method. The following brief discussions may help you determine which loading method is best for your installation.

Loading Cartridges for Immediate Use in a Newly Installed LSM

If you are loading cartridges into an LSM that must be placed into production, it may be advantageous to begin entering volumes a few at a time through the CAP.

Tape cartridges can be entered into an LSM by using the ENter command or ENTEr utility to enter cartridges through the CAP.

Refer to “Enter Cartridges Utility” on page 249 for information about the ENTEr Cartridges utility, the syntax, and parameters. Refer to the ‘‘CAP Preference (CAPPref) Command and Control Statement’’ in the HSC Operator’s Guide for information about how to set the CAP in automatic mode. Refer to the HSC Operator’s Guide for information about the ENter command.

The control data set is updated with each load of cartridges entered through the CAP.

If you begin entering cartridges containing data sets known to be required by regularly scheduled jobs, these volumes are immediately available for use. The obvious advantage of using this method is that the LSM and any cartridges entered are immediately available for use.

Loading Cartridges for Later Use in a Newly Installed LSM

If you are loading cartridges into an LSM that is not scheduled for production immediately, it may be to your advantage to manually load the entire LSM. The cartridges must be previously initialized to use this method.

After all cartridges are loaded into cells, run the AUDIt utility for the LSM to update the control data set.

This method of loading cartridges into an LSM is faster for physically moving the cartridges and takes less operator time. However, running the AUDIt utility for an entire LSM can take a significant amount of time.

Reduce Pass-Thrus

The number of pass-thrus required to mount, dismount, and replace cartridges in LSMs can impact library performance. In a large or busy ACS, this impact may be significant especially during periods of heavy mount activity. There are three categories of pass-thrus:

•unavoidable

•unnecessary

•scheduled.

422VM/HSC 6.0 System Programmer’s Guide

1st ed., 6/30/04 - 312579601