Media Management Software?

[Jason Martens]

We have a relatively small operation, 1 2/20 library and about 50 LTO tapes. I was just wondering what others are using for media management software. Or, what systems do you use to always be able to locate any given tape offsite or onsite. Thanks in advance.
Jason

[Eugeny Brychkov]

Jason,
reading and writing tapes is not an issue and can usually be done on OS level, but operating changer is an issue and OS can not handle it (although you can manage it from the front panel manually :o( ). To manage tapes inside library and operate tape changer you need to install 3rd party backup software: OnmiBack, Tapeware, BackupExec, Tivoli etc
Have a look at http://www.hp.com/products1/storage/products/archivalprod/sol_finder/index.html . Altough it's for MO devices it can give you an idea.
This one http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storageworks/ebs/ebstoolsbackupsizing.html looks better but I did not use it. You may try
Eugeny

[Jason Martens]

I am actually talking about how to manage media once it is outside the library. For instance, we send tapes offsite once a week, and I need a way to track which tapes are offsite, when they should come back ect.

[Leif Halvarsson_2]

Hi,

With HP OmniBack (Data protector) it is possible to track tape location (in library or not), allocation order, protection time and several other features.
Of course there is other programs, for example Legato Networker or Veritas Netbackup.

[Michael Tully]

Hi Jason,

The best way to manage even offsite tapes is through the backup management software. I use OmniBack (now called Data Protector) so I can't really speak for other products, but you can place information in it, in regards to locations and vaulting.
A simple report can be generated from OmniBack advising what media is expiring, when and where it is kept. You can view the product overview from here. http://www.openview.hp.com/products/dataprotector/index.asp

HTH
Michael

[Duncan Edmonstone · Accepted solution]

Jason,

I think I know the kind of product you are referring to... take a look at this:

http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/sanworks/smo/

or try this:

http://www.vertices.net/

HTH

Duncan