An entry-level tape library providing high capacity data storage in a compact 2U form factor, with advanced features such as web-based remote management.
What level of encryption do the LTO-4 Ultrium Tape Drive configurations offer?
A1.
LTO-4 uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with the longest and most secure keys, 256 bits. AES-256 is implemented within Galois Counter Mode (GCM). This is a method of increasing AES security by efficiently adding Message Authentication Codes to ensure the integrity of the backup data stored on tape.
The HP LTO-4 Ultrium Tape Drives are designed to be compliant with the emerging standard for tape drive security, IEEE 1619.1.
Q2.
What are the benefits of hardware based encryption at the ASIC level of the tape drive?
A2.
The main benefit is performance. At normal block lengths (say 10KBytes and above), there will be no discernable performance loss due to encryption. This is in stark contrast to software encryption, where performance is significantly reduced. Also, LTO-4 tape drives implement hardware compression before encryption (compression of pre-encrypted data is impossible since it appears random). With software encryption, compression is not done causing significant capacity loss. Alternatively, at an even greater cost to performance, compression could be done in software. It is possible to buy “black box appliances” to do hardware encryption between computer and tape drive, but these significantly add to system complexity and cost, even if they are able to match tape drive encryption speeds.
Q3.
Can I encrypt LTO-3 tapes with the HP LTO-4 Ultrium Tape Drive configuration?
A3.
No, encryption is only supported in the LTO-4 format. The LTO-3 format does not support encryption. This is the same for all tape drive manufacturers. However, you can write unencrypted LTO-3 tapes with the HP LTO-4 Ultrium Tape Drive configurations.
Q4.
Is the HP StorageWorks MSL2024 Tape Library supported by HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools?
A4.
Yes, the HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools (L&TT) provide full diagnostic support for this product from the start. In addition to diagnostic and troubleshooting abilities, L&TT offers useful information about the product and the ability to automatically check the Web for the latest firmware. L&TT can be downloaded from the following URL: www.hp.com/support/tapetools.
Q5.
Are any of the HP StorageWorks MSL6000 Tape Library kits compatible with the HP StorageWorks MSL2024 Tape Library?
A5.
No, these two libraries differ in design. Existing MSL6000 Tape Library upgrade kits will not work in the MSL2024 Tape Library. The MSL2024 Tape Library kits will also not work in the MSL6000 Tape Libraries.
Q6.
Does the HP StorageWorks MSL2024 Tape Library support partitioning?
A6.
The MSL2024 Tape Library now includes the ability to be configured as a partitioned library. The MSL2024 Tape Library may be configured as up to one partition per drive; two partitions if two drives are installed. Partitioning allows each partitioned library to be presented to the host as an independent library, separate from other partitions in the library. Hosts for each partition own independent sets of media and can use ISV software that is different from the other partitions allowing maximum flexibility and utilization of the MSL2024 Tape Library.
Q7.
What is the reliability rating of the HP StorageWorks MSL2024 Tape Library?
A7.
With a rating of 2,000,000 robot load/unload cycles, the MSL2024 Tape Library provides necessary high reliability for today's demanding environment. To improve reliability and longevity, all HP Ultrium products feature Data Rate Matching (DRM). This allows the tape drive to dynamically and continuously adjust the speed of the drive, to match the speed of the host or network. This increases performance, reduces mechanical wear on the tape drive and extends tape life.
Q8.
Does the HP StorageWorks MSL2024 Tape Library include removable magazines?
A8.
The MSL2024 Tape Library ships standard with two 12-slot removable magazines. The left magazine includes a user-configurable mail slot dedicated for import and export of data cartridges. Additional right or left magazines can be purchased for use in bulk loading of media or storing media offsite.
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