Dell PowerVault TL4000

 

Regular, disciplined backup is a vital part of a complete disaster recovery strategy. The PowerVault TL4000 is a powerful tape library that helps organizations automate their backup processes to reduce the need for manual intervention and the risk of human error. The PowerVault TL4000 uses optical cartridge location technology for precision cartridge handling and inventory, which helps improve the overall reliability of backups.

 

 

To supplement the growth in iSCSI SANs, Dell has introduced an iSCSI-to-SAS bridge card for the TL-series tape libraries (Dell PowerVault TL2000 & TL4000). This solution allows users to directly attach a tape backup target to an iSCSI 1Gb Ethernet SAN utilizing little to no degradation in transfer speed, 90 MB/s in most cases. Additionally, the iSCSI - to- SAS bridge card is fully compatible with Dell PowerVault M3000i and Dell EquaLogic PS iSCSI array series.

 

 

 

Tapes can be imported and exported individually via a mail-slot or twelve-at-a-time using one of two magazines. The library utilizes barcode-scanning technology to record the location of tape media, so you can be assured that your critical data is properly stored and ready in case disaster strikes.

 

 

 

An on-board, user-friendly LCD interface allows you to easily monitor, control, configure, and service the library. While you are away, the tape library enables you to remotely administer all functions, including system status and logs, diagnostics and drive operations, as well as configuration and inventory management features.

 

 

The comparative low cost for tape combined with its long history of proven reliability helps ensure its continued use for both backup and archiving. The portability of tape allows it to be taken off-site and stored in a vault. In addition, LTO-4 and LTO-3 tape technology supports WORM (Write-Once-Read-Many) capability which allows permanent data storage that cannot be overwritten – a requirement of many compliance regulations.

Learn More about LTO 4 and Protecting Data Archives

 

 

With its compact form-factor, the PowerVault TL4000 packs an impressive amount of information in a small amount of space. Occupying only four units (4U) of rack space, the library can hold up to 48 tapes providing up to 38.4TB (with Ultrium LTO-4 tapes) of native capacity—ideal for small office environments managing explosive data growth.

Tape Automation Comparison chart

 

 

The PowerVault TL4000 supports up to four Ultrium LTO-4 drives—a high-speed tape technology that can natively back up an impressive 432GB of data per drive per hour for a maximum of 1.73 TB/hr with four drives. LTO technology is based on a tape industry standard that specifies backward read-and-write compatibility with LTO-4 & LTO-3 generation (n, n-1) media and read compatibility with LTO-2(n-2) media.