Tape library/drive direct connection to standard ethernet IP switch for direct data backup purpose

[Yaboto]

Hi,

An SMB customer is not ready for SAN technologies now but for an immediate term and as a matter of urgency he wants a tape library that can centrally connected to its standard IP network switch so that it can be directly accessible from any server connecting to the ethernet switch for direct data backup purpose. I remember configuring such a tape library for DELL in an ISCSI environment.

Does HP provide such a network tape library / drive? 

If yes, what is the model / spec.?

If no, please can you propose an alternative.

Thanks,

Yaboto

[Curtis_Ballard]

No tape products have native iSCSI interfaces so the only solutions are some form of iSCSI bridge either integrated or external.  HPE doesn't offer any iSCSI bridges or have specific iSCSI bridges that are tested with the tape products but there are some available in the market.  Most of the time it is higher performance, more flexible, and cheaper to connect the tape product to a backup server using SAS and use backup software that transfers the data over the network to that server.

When looking at iSCSI for tape be sure to look carefully at performance if that matters at all to you.  Most iSCSI bridges offered for use with tape are only 1Gb and the throughput is significantly below the recommended data rate for any modern tape drive. 

[Torsten.]

consider virtual tapes like storeonce or real tapes with sas connections or even a direct connect fibre device without a switch.

[Yaboto]

Hi,

Please help me identify an external SAS LTO tape drive that is compatible with HP Proliant DL 380 G7. Please suggest the additional PCI SAS card and appropriate cable that can go with it.

Best regards,

Yaboto