IBM 3588-F6A LTO6 Tape Drive – Sunstar Company, Inc.

IBM System Storage TS1060 Tape Drive offers an Ultrium 6 Tape Drive for the TS3500 Tape Library

Call (800) 663-5523 for a Quote or Additional Information [restabs alignment=”osc-tabs-left” responsive=”false”] [restab title=”LTO6 Library Drive” active=”active”] The IBM® System Storage® TS1060 is an IBM LTO™ Ultrium™ 6 Tape Drive that combines IBM tape reliability and performance at open systems prices. The new Ultrium 6 Tape Drive: Datasheet

Increases maximum data transfer rate, providing to up to 160 MB/sec native as compared to LTO Ultrium 5 at 140 MB/sec native
Supports LTO Generation 6 media specification tape cartridge compressed capacity of up to 6.25 TB with 2:5 to 1 compression
Includes an 8 Gbps Fibre Channel dual-ported interface attachment
Supports media partitioning and self-describing tape with Linear Tape File System™ (LTFS) Library Edition and LTFS Storage Manager software
Supports encryption capabilities
Adheres to LTO Generation 6 media specification
Mounts in TS3500 Tape Library Model L53 or D53, and in 3584 Tape Library Models L52, L32, D52, or D32

TS3500 Tape Library functions and features include:

Support for TS1060 Ultrium 6 tape drive in TS3500 Tape Library Model L53 or D53, and in 3584 Tape Library Models L52, L32, D52, or D32

IBM System Storage TS1060 (machine type 3588, model F6A) is designed to be installed in an IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library (machine type 3584) to offer high capacity and performance for the midrange open systems environment. This model incorporates the new Linear Tape-Open™ ( LTO ) IBM Ultrium 6 Tape Drive with enhanced maximum tape drive throughput over the IBM LTO generation 5 Tape Drive ( Ultrium 5). It has a native data transfer of up to 160 MB/sec. The TS1060 Tape Drive supports the LTO Generation 6 media specification of an over double compressed capacity of up to 6.25 TB with 2.5 to 1 compression (up to 2.5 TB native capacity) compared to previous LTO 5 compressed capacity of up to 3.0 TB with 2:1 compression (up to 1.5 TB native capacity) per tape cartridge. IBM Ultrium 6 Tape Drives can read and write LTO Ultrium 5 Data Cartridges and read LTO Ultrium 4 Data Cartridges. The TS1060 has an 8 Gbps Fibre Channel dual-ported interface for connection to a wide spectrum of open system servers. The IBM System Storage TS1060 LTO Ultrium 6 Tape Drive supports data encryption with Ultrium 6 or Ultrium 5 media. IBM Ultrium 6 enhancements that help improve performance and reliability include:

Native data transfer rate up to 160 MB/sec
LTO Generation 6 media specification tape cartridge compressed capacity of up to 6.25 TB (up to 2.5 TB native)
8 Gbps Fibre Channel dual-ported drive attachment
A larger 1 GB internal buffer
Support for media partitioning and self describing tape with LTFS Library Edition and LTFS Storage Manager software
LTO Ultrium 6 encryption support

The TS1060 can be installed in new or installed TS3500 Tape Library Models L53 and D53, and in 3584 Tape Library Models L52, L32, D52, and D32. [/restab] [restab title=”Features”] Appropriate levels of host and drive software are required to attach the TS1060 to a wide range of environments including selected IBM Power Systems™ , IBM System i® , IBM System p® , IBM System x® , IBM System z® (zLinux), other servers running HP-UX, Linux™ , Sun Solaris, and Microsoft™ Windows™ operating system environments that support Fibre Channel interfaces. LTO-6 tape drive support and other selected TS3500 features require Advanced Library Management (ALMS). IBM TS1060 is an IBM LTO Ultrium 6 Tape Drive designed for the heavy demands of backup and archive tape storage. The TS1060 is designed to mount in a TS3500 Tape Library and has an 8 Gbps Fibre Channel dual-ported interface for attachment to a wide range of environments, including selected IBM Power Systems , IBM System i , IBM System p , IBM System x , IBM System z (zLinux), other servers running HP-UX, Linux , Sun Solaris, and Microsoft Windows operating system environments. The TS1060 incorporates sixth-generation IBM LTO Ultrium technology. It offers the following significant improvements over prior generations:

Increased performance: Maximum tape drive throughput native data rate performance is up to 160 MB/sec. Data tracks are written 16 at a time. IBM LTO6 Tape Drives can read and write LTO Ultrium 5 Data Cartridges at Ultrium 5 capacities and rates, and read LTO Ultrium 4 Data Cartridges at Ultrium 4 capacities and rates. Note: Although the Ultrium 6 Tape Drive provides the capability for excellent tape performance, other components of the system may limit the actual performance achieved. Also, although the compression technology used in the tape drive can typically double the amount of data that can be stored on the media, the actual degree of compression achieved is highly sensitive to the characteristics of the data being compressed.
Increased tape cartridge capacity: The LTO Generation 6 media specification tape cartridge physical capacity is up to 6.25 TB compressed physical capacity, more than double that of the Ultrium 4 and 5 Data Cartridge. This is achieved by increasing the linear density, track density, and the media length. The IBM Ultrium 6 tape itself is an advanced Barium Ferrite tape developed to help provide durability and increased capacity.
Encryption: The IBM System Storage TS1060 LTO Ultrium 6 Tape Drive supports data encryption on the base drive with Ultrium 6 or Ultrium 5 media. System Managed and Library Managed Encryption and associated IBM Tivoli® Key Lifecycle Manager access are all available as a chargeable licensed key (feature 1604, Transparent LTO Encryption) under the TS3500 Tape Library L-frames. IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager v1 (TKLM) is required with this feature.
Attachment options: The TS1060 Tape Drive comes with 8 Gbps Fibre Channel dual-ported attachment models for connection to a wide spectrum of open system servers. They are supported on a wide range of environments including selected IBM Power Systems , IBM System i , IBM System p , IBM System x , IBM System z (zLinux), other servers running HP-UX, Linux , Sun Solaris, and Microsoft Windows operating system environments.
WORM media support: LTO Generation 6 media specification compressed up to 6.25 TB IBM 3589 Ultrium 6 WORM Tape Cartridges are designed for archiving and data retention applications, as well as those applications requiring an audit trail. These cartridges work with the IBM LTO Ultrium 6 Tape Drive to help prevent the alteration or deletion of user data. IBM LTO 6 WORM Tape Cartridges can be ordered as unique 3589 models with the following features:
- Prelabeling with the ability to specify a starting volume serial and color coding
- Packaging in individual jewel cases or in bulk
- Cartridge memory, built into every cartridge, enhances functionality and media reliability by storing access history and media performance information for use by the tape drive every time the cartridge is accessed
- Half-inch particle tape with an up to 6.25 TB WORM compressed capacity in a single cartridge
Larger internal data buffer: There is a 1 GB internal data buffer in the Ultrium 6 Tape Drive, compared to 512 MB for Ultrium 5.
Digital speed matching: The Ultrium 6 Tape Drive is designed to perform dynamic speed matching (at one of fourteen speeds: 160.0, 150.8, 141.5, 132.3, 123.1, 113.8, 104.6, 95.4, 86.2, 76.9, 67.7, 58.5, 49.2 or 40.0 MB/s) to adjust the drive’s native data rate as closely as possible to the net host data rate (after data compressibility has been factored out). This helps reduce the number of backhitch repositions and improve throughput performance. Speed matching on Ultrium 6 ranges from 40 to 160 MB/sec versus 40 to 140 MB/sec on Ultrium 5.
Giant Magneto Resistive (GMR) head design: Use of flat lap head technology in GMR heads from our Enterprise Tape Drives for Ultrium 6 helps minimize contact, edge damage, debris accumulation, and wear on the tape as it moves over the read/write heads.
Dual-stage 16-channel head skew actuator: The actuator is designed to provide precision head alignment to help support higher track density and improved data integrity. Track following skew actuator supports flangeless tape guide rollers and dynamic skew to enable the head to follow skew tape motion and improve linear actuation.
Power management: The Ultrium 6 Tape Drive power management function is designed to control the drive electronics to be either completely turned off or in a low-power mode when the circuit functions are not needed for drive operation. Improvements specifically in idle mode are improved over Ultrium 5.
IBM LTFS partitioning support: The principal function of the media partitioning is to allow for faster data access by splitting the cartridge into two media partitions. LTFS media partitioning is supported in the TS1060 Tape Drive, and LTFS library Edition and LTFS Storage Manager are supported in the TS3500 Tape Library. WORM media cannot be partitioned.

The IBM LTFS software leverages LTO6 tape partitioning. It is designed to enable a self-describing tape file format and to deliver an easy tape storage and distribution solution without the use of additional database applications. Customers of IBM LTFS software are those who require a standard tape cartridge format at a low cost and will use standalone IBM LTO6 tape drives. IBM LTFS is the perfect solution for those in the media and entertainment industry, and other fields that need massive data storage on tape for long retention periods, such as banking, scientific research, and government sectors.

There are a few pull down menus to navigate to the correct download as follows:

In the first pull down menu labeled “Product Group” select ” System Storage “.
In the next pull down menu that appears which is labeled “Product Family” select “Tape Systems”.
With the next pull down menu, “Product Type”, select “Tape drivers and software”.
This will bring up the “Product” menu, which provides selections for “Platform drivers, Tools, or Software”.
Under “Platform drivers”, in order to download your driver, select the correct operating system.
Two more pull down menus will appear with information. Click “Continue”.
The next screen can be used to narrow the search, however just click “Continue” to view what is available.

The IBM Tape Device Drivers Installation and User’s Guide can be found at the following website

: http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=577&uid=ssg1S7002972

Proven IBM LTO Ultrium features enhanced in the IBM LTO Ultrium 6 Tape Drive include:

Independent tape loader and threader motors and positive pin retention: These are designed to help improve the reliability of loading and unloading a cartridge, and to retain the pin even if tension is dropped. An independent loader motor, coupled with the positive pin retention, is designed to cause the tape to thread with a higher level of reliability.
Graceful dynamic braking: In the event of power failure, reel motors are designed to maintain tension and gradually decelerate instead of stopping abruptly, helping reduce tape breakage, stretching, or loose tape wraps during a sudden power outage.
Servo and track layout technology: There are 2,176 data tracks in Ultrium 6 versus 1,280 data tracks in Ultrium 5. The high-bandwidth servo system features a low-mass servo to help more effectively track servo bands and improve data throughput with damaged media in less-than-optimal shock and vibration environments.
Surface Control Guiding Mechanism: The patented Surface Control Guiding Mechanism from IBM is designed to guide the tape along the tape path in the Ultrium 6, 5, and 4 Tape Drives. This method uses the surface of the tape, rather than the edges, to control tape motion. This helps reduce tape damage (especially to the edges of the tape) and tape debris, which comes from the damaged edges and can accumulate in the head area.
Robust drive components optimized for automation environments: Using some of the most robust components available, such as all metal clutch, steel ball bearings in loader, robust leader block design, and single circuit card, helps to enhance reliability and prolong the life of drives.
Adaptive read equalization: This feature is designed to automatically compensate for dynamic changes in readback signal response.
Dynamic amplitude asymmetry compensation: Optimizes readback signals for linear readback response from MR read head transducers.
Separate writing of multiple filemarks: Separate writing of multiple filemarks is designed to cause any write command of two or more filemarks to cause a separate data set to be written containing all filemarks after the first. This feature helps improve performance if a subsequent append overwrites somewhere after the first filemark. A write of multiple filemarks typically indicates a point where an append operation might occur after the first of these filemarks, and this change helps prevent having to rewrite datasets containing customer data and the first filemark, if such an append occurs.
LTO Data Compression (LTO-DC): The Ultrium 6 uses LTO-DC, which is an implementation of a Lempel-Ziv class 1 (LZ-1) data compression algorithm. LTO-DC is an extension of Adaptive Lossless Data Compression (ALDC) and an improvement over previous IBM lossless compression algorithms. Scheme-Swapping compression, patented by IBM , is designed to look ahead at incoming data and determine the most efficient storage method (either ALDC or pass-thru mode) to help provide optimal data compression and increase data throughput. The compression ratio for LTO Ultrium 6 is 2.5 to 1.
LTO Cartridge Memory (LTO-CM): Contained within the LTO Ultrium data cartridge is the LTO-CM, which is a passive, contactless silicon storage device that is physically a part of the cartridge. The LTO-CM is designed to hold information about that specific cartridge, the media in the cartridge, and the data on the media. The storage capacity of the Generation 6 LTO-CM is 16320 bytes, double the capacity of Generation 5 and 4 LTO-CM 8160 bytes. Communication between the drive and the LTO-CM is via a low-level RF field transmitted by the drive to the cartridge.
Statistical Analysis and Reporting System (SARS): The Ultrium 6 Tape Drive uses SARS to help isolate failures between media and hardware. SARS uses the cartridge performance history saved in the CM module and the drive performance history kept in the drive flash EEPROM to help determine the most likely cause of failure. SARS is designed to cause the drive to request a cleaner tape, to mark the media as degraded, and to indicate that the hardware has degraded.
Highly integrated electronics using IBM-engineered copper technology: This technology is designed to reduce the total number of components in the drive, help lower chip temperatures, and reduce power requirements, to deliver a more reliable drive. The sixth-generation drive electronics are designed to provide error correction of soft errors in the memory arrays in data and control paths.

With support for LTO Ultrium-format tape data cartridges, the TS1060 with the TS3500 Tape Library can be a cost-effective solution for backup, save-and-restore, and archiving functions. [/restab] [restab title=”Media”] Ultrium 6 Data Cartridge The LTO Generation 6 media specification tape cartridge physical compressed capacity of the LTO 6 Data Cartridge has more than doubled the capacity of the IBM Ultrium 5 Data Cartridge with a capacity of up to 6.25 TB with 2.5 to 1 compression. IBM LTO Ultrium 6 Tape Drives can read and write Ultrium 5 data cartridges, and read Ultrium 4 data cartridges. IBM LTO 6 cartridges can be resident in the same TS3500 Tape Library with the Ultrium 5 and Ultrium 4 data cartridges. IBM LTO 6 data cartridges can be ordered using IBM machine type 3589, IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Cartridges. These cartridges have been designed to provide several enhancements over previous tape technologies. They are designed to work with tape drives that have increased tape speeds and high-density data recording. The case is specially designed for use in automated libraries and is designed for repeated, unattended handling. The TS1060 Tape Drive supports IBM LTFS partitioning which enables data to be written individually on media without affecting data on another partition. TS3500 features and functions

TS1060 Ultrium 6 Tape Drive Support: TS1060 Ultrium 6 tape drive is supported in TS3500 Tape Library Model L53 or D53, and in 3584 Tape Library Models L52, L32, D52, or D32. Appropriate levels of host and drive software are required to attach the TS1060 to a wide range of environments, including selected IBM Power Systems , IBM System i , IBM System p , IBM System x , IBM System z (zLinux), other servers running HP-UX, Linux , Sun Solaris, and Microsoft Windows operating system environments that support Fibre Channel interfaces.

[/restab] [restab title=”LTO6 Library”] As you compare competitive tape solutions, consider:

Capacity and performance requirements
Data integrity and encryption, reliability, and availability
Data partitioning, formatting, and management like LTFS
Storage usage and application requirements
Affordability
Loyalty to legacy or existing tape formats

The TS1060 and its software applications are designed to address these requirements and deliver a functionally rich tape storage solution incorporating LTO Ultrium 6 Tape Drive technology. The TS1060 is an excellent choice if you use tape drives that require larger capacity or higher performance tape backup. The TS1060 Tape Drive can be the answer to growing storage requirements and shrinking backup and archive windows. The TS3500 Tape Library and IBM software applications excel in addressing these requirements and deliver a functionally rich tape storage solution incorporating LTO Ultrium and 3592 tape technology. You also gain flexibility of automated tape library management and unattended save, restore, and archive operations. The TS3500 Tape Library models are a smart choice for tape automation for IBM Power® , IBM System i , IBM System p , IBM System x , IBM System z products, or Linux , and other popular open systems. The TS3500 utilizes the patented Multi-Path Architecture, designed to allow homogeneous or heterogeneous open systems applications to share the library robotics, with ALMS for storage slot pooling and flexible drive assignment. Additional TS3500 features include Capacity on Demand entry library frames, LTO and 3592 drive technology choices and integration, dual active accessors, and 16-frame expansion. The TS3500 Tape Library Base Frame Model L53 offers 64 to 287 slots for LTO Ultrium tape cartridge media and up to twelve IBM LTO Ultrium Fibre Channel Tape Drives. It is designed to provide excellent price and performance in the open systems environments. The TS3500 Tape Library Base Frame Model L23 offers 58 to 260 slots for 3592 tape cartridge media and up to twelve IBM TS1130, TS1140, or 3592 Tape Drives. The TS1130, TS1140, or 3592 Tape Drives are designed to provide high capacity, performance, and reliability in open systems environments with tape drive flexibility to accommodate capacity and fast access where these requirements are needed. Up to fifteen 3584 or TS3500 Tape Library Expansion Frame Models D22, D23, D32, D52, D53, S24, or S54 can be added to either the Model L22, L23, L32, L52, or L53. The Model D23 or D22 provides up to 400 cartridge slots for 3592 media, and can contain up to twelve TS1130 or 3592 Tape Drives. The Models D32, D52, or D53 provide up to 440 slots for Ultrium media, and can contain up to twelve Ultrium Tape Drives. The Model S24 provides up to 1000 cartridge slots for 3592 media, and does not support tape drives. The Model S54 provides up to 1320 cartridge slots for LTO media, and does not support tape drives. When a Model HA1 is attached, the last Models D22, D23, D52, D53, S24, or S54 in the TS3500 Tape Library functions as a Service Bay B for the second accessor. The TS3500 is part of a family of IBM System Storage LTO Ultrium tape products and can be the answer to growing storage requirements and shrinking backup windows. If you have existing digital linear tape experience or require high-performance, automated tape backup, the TS3500 Tape Library constitutes an excellent tape storage solution. The IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Drives in the TS3500 Tape Library provide an excellent functional alternative to DLT/SDLT, 1/4 in, 4 mm, 8 mm, IBM Magstar® MP 3570, or older LTO generation tape drives. Depending on capacity requirements, a wide spectrum of tape libraries are available from the IBM Ultrium Tape family of products, based on your storage usage and requirements. Lower capacity tape automation products to choose from include the IBM System Storage TS3310, TS3200, or TS3100 Tape Libraries. For high duty-cycle and start/stop intensive tape applications, with mission-critical data protection and high-capacity requirements, consider the IBM System Storage TS1130, TS1140, or 3592 Tape Drive with the IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library. [/restab][/restabs]