The Dell PowerVault
128T Tape Library is an enterprise-class tape back-up solution designed to provide high performance, capacity and reliability in a rack dense form factor while using either LTO or SDLT tape technologies.
INFO

The Dell™ PowerVault™ 128T tape library is designed to address increasing storage capacities and decreasing backup windows in various IT environments.

The PowerVault 128T provides for up to two Linear Tape Open
(LTO

) or Super DLT™ (SDLT) tape drives, providing over 108 GB/hr
(LTO) or 80 GB/hr (SDLT) of uncompressed backup performance.

The PowerVault 128T offers up to 2.0 terabytes (LTO) or 2.2 terabytes
(SDLT) of uncompressed storage capacity.

An optional, embedded 1 Gb/sec fibre channel router can be used to deliver a high-performance SAN backup solution.

The PowerVault 128T allows current DLT customers to migrate to
SDLT with backwards compatibility, or choose the high-performance linear technology, LTO.
January 2002 Dell ESG Worldwide Marketing Page 1


Dell’s PowerVault tape backup strategy is to deliver open automation platforms with industry-leading technologies to offer flexibility to meet the backup needs of distributed or consolidated architectures in a variety of IT environments.
At the same time that typical server storage capacity is increasing, the backup window -- the time allotted to perform the backup -- is shrinking, and for organizations that operate seven days a week, twenty four hours a day, that window is approaching non-existent. As a result, these organizations require ever-increasing capacity and performance for backup products.
When explosive data requirements call for a high performance tape library with scalable capacity, there is the PowerVault 128T. The PowerVault 128T offers tremendous flexibility as a direct-attached LAN backup device or to provide consolidated backup capability within a SAN.
As the linear tape industry has been fragmented into two main categories,
LTO and SDLT, Dell offers both technologies to address the primary backup needs of most organizations. The PowerVault 128T allows current
DLT users to migrate to the latest DLT technology – SDLT. Providing outstanding cartridge capacity, SDLT allows for backward read compatibility with DLT 4000, DLT 7000, DLT 8000, and DLT-1 tape formats. However, as a result of technology improvements, SDLT itself requires new tape media, Super DLTtape

I.
LTO is a relatively new linear technology designed to deliver the same tape format (LTO Ultrium) from several providers, at cost competitive prices. This technology is not backward compatible with DLT, but does offer compelling backup performance, and excellent reliability.
The PowerVault 128T Tape Library has a standard-length, 5U height (1U =
1.75 inches) form factor, which accommodates up to two LTO or SDLT tape drives, and has room for 20 LTO or SDLT tape cartridges. The
PowerVault 128T can be ordered as a desk-side model, or rack mountable.
If ordered as a rack mount solution, Dell provides versa rails for efficient installation.
Available as a direct attached, Ultra-2 SCSI backup device, the PowerVault
128T also allows for a 1 Gb/s fibre channel router to be installed for SAN backup needs. With the ability to utilize one-drive configurations, the
PowerVault 128T has the flexibility to address the needs of an autoloader,
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 2 January 2002

with the ability to add a second tape drive to meet the needs of higherdemanding backup applications. This flexibility is possible due to component modularity. While tape drives can slide into the back of the unit, the fibre channel module also plugs in to allow fibre channel connectivity. Tables 1 and 2 provide the maximum backup rates of the
PowerVault 128T based on tape technology and the number of drives.
Tables 1 and 2
Maximum Backup rates* of LTO & SDLT drives within the PowerVault
128T
Number of
LTO
Drives
Backup Rate (MB/s) Backup Rate (GB/hr) Compressed Backup
Rate (GB/hr) assuming 2:1 compression
1
2
15
30
54
108
108
216
Number of
SDLT
Drives
1
2
Backup Rate (MB/s) Backup Rate (GB/hr)
11
22
40
80
Compressed Backup
Rate (GB/hr) assuming 2:1 compression
80
160
*Actual performance and capacity is dependant on settings, user environment and applications.
Tape Technology Formats
LTO (Ultrium) and SDLT are the two tape technologies for the enterprise currently offered by Dell.
LTO technology – a powerful, open tape architecture co-developed by
Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Seagate – is setting the stage for a new generation of tape storage products that are expected to surpass current tape capacity and performance benchmarks, while maintaining high data integrity. It combines the advantages of linear, multi-channel, bidirectional formats with enhancements in servo technology, data compression, track layout, and error correction code to help maximize capacity, performance and reliability.
SDLT is the latest tape drive technology in a long line of DLT technology.
The cornerstone technology enabling SDLT is Laser Guided Magnetic
Recording (LGMR), which eliminates the need for servo bands on the data recording side of the tape media. This differentiation allows each SDLT tape to have up to an additional 10GB of storage capacity in comparison to
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 3 January 2002

LTO Ultrium media. With the ability to backward read DLT 4000, DLT
7000, DLT 8000, and DLT1 formats, SDLT allows current DLT users with high investments in DLTtape IV media to migrate to SDLT.
A feature comparison of these two technologies is shown in Table 3. The features and benefits of the PowerVault 128T are shown in Table 4.
Table 3
Feature Comparison of LTO and DLT Tape Technologies
(Source: Dell Enterprise Storage Group Engineering, November 2001)
Feature DLT4000 DLT7000 DLT8000 DLT1 SDLT
250,000 hours
250,000 hours
200,000 hours
250,000 hours
LTO
(Ultrium)
250,000 hours
Mean time between failures
(MTBF) at 100 percent duty cycle
Capacity
(native)
200,000 hours
20GB
Maximum
Capacity
(Compressed)
Transfer Rate
(native)
40GB
1.5MB/s
(5GB/hr)
Maximum
Transfer Rate
(compressed)
3MB/s
Read
Compatibility Read DLT
2000
Head Life
10,000 hours
35GB
70GB
5.0MB/s
(18GB/hr)
10MB/s
Read DLT
4000
30,000 hours
40GB
80GB
6.0MB/s
(20GB/hr)
12MB/s
Read DLT
4000/
7000
30,000 hours
40GB
80GB
3MB/s
(10GB/hr)
6MB/s
Read DLT
4000
30,000 hours
110GB
220GB
11.0MB/s
(37GB/hr)
22.0MB/s
Read
4000/700
0/8000/DL
T1
Not available at press time
100GB
200 GB
15MB/s
(54GB/hr)
30MB/s
LTO
Ultrium
Open
Format
60,000 hours
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 4 January 2002

Table 4
Features, Functions, and Benefits of the PowerVault 128T Tape
Library
Feature
Performance*
Scalable Capacity*
Library Mailbox
Function
The PowerVault 128T LTO tape library boasts 30 MB/s maximum data transfer rate
(native). This translates to 108
GB/hr. The PowerVault 128T
SDLT provides 22MB/s maximum native data transfer rate, resulting in a backup rate of 80GB/hr.
The native capacity of LTO media is 100GB. Up to 20 cartridges can be used, yielding 2.0TB maximum.
The native capacity of SDLT media is 110GB. Up to 20 cartridges can be used for
2.2TB.
Fibre Channel Module The 1Gb/s fibre channel router option enables SAN connectivity.
Benefit
Organizations can back up more information in less time.
Organizations can choose the capacity they need and backup up to 2.2TB of data.
Helps provide investment protection, as the PowerVault
128T can be upgraded for
SAN backup.
Backup time is maximized as library inventory time is reduced.
Manageability
Mailbox options of 0, 1, 5, or
10 allow for the import and export of tape cartridges, helping to prevent the need to re-inventory the library.
A Remote management card allows users to access and monitor the library via a web browser.
Users can remotely observe the status of backup jobs.
Platform
Independence
Either LTO or SDLT tape technology can be used within the PowerVault 128T tape library.
Organizations can choose the technology that best meets the needs of their unique environments.
*Actual performance and capacity is dependant on settings, user environment and applications.
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 5 January 2002

Deciding between the PowerVault 128T and PowerVault 136T
The PowerVault 128T LTO tape library is a lower-cost backup solution than the PowerVault 136T for organizations that need to have the flexibility to backup their LAN or SAN data (see Table 5). The PowerVault
128T offers a rack-dense 5U backup solution with the ability to scale up to
2.2TB of uncompressed data. The PowerVault 136T delivers a more scalable solution, for customer environments that demand a multiple -
Terabyte backup solution with high performance requirements. Both libraries can transition from a native SCSI connection into a LAN-free SAN backup solution with the addition of an embedded fibre channel router.
The PowerVault 128T is for organizations that:
 Demand cost-effective backup performance and scalability
 Expect their environments to grow at 400-800 GB annually
 Are backing up across the LAN today, and plan to eventually migrate to SAN backup
 Require an automated backup solution that enables more effective use of human resources
Table 5
Feature Comparison of the PowerVault 128T and the PowerVault 136T
Feature PowerVault 128T PowerVault 136T
Maximum Performance 108GB/hr (uncompressed) LTO
80GB/hruncompressed) SDLT
324GB/hr (uncompressed) LTO
240GB/hr (uncompressed) SDLT
Maximum Capacity 2TB (uncompressed) LTO 7.2TB (uncompressed) LTO
6.6 (uncompressed) SDLT
SAN connectivity
Management
2.2TB uncompressed SDLT
Optional 1 Gigabit fibre channel embedded router
Remote web-based or local management
Optional 2 Gigabit fibre channel embedded router
Remote web-based or local management.
Size 5U or tabletop 14U or tabletop
Tape Drive Scalability Up to 2 Ultra-3 SCSI LTO Ultrium
Drives
Tape Cartridge
Scalability
Up to 20 LTO Ultrium Cartridges
Up to 20 SDLT cartridges
Software support PowerSuites (CA ArcServe or
Veritas Backup Exec)
Up to 6 Ultra-3 SCSI LTO Ultrium
Drives
Up to 72 LTO Ultrium Cartridges
Up to 60 SDLT cartridges
PowerSuites (CA ArcServe or Veritas
Backup Exec)
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 6 January 2002

Hardware
The Dell platforms that support the use of the LTO tape library are the
PowerEdge 2500, 2550, 4400, 4500, 6400, 6450, and 8450.
Operating Systems
 Microsoft ® Windows ® NT 4.0
 Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 Red Hat ® Linux ®
 Novell ® NetWare 5.0/5.1
Backup Software Supported
The following list of Backup Software is fully Dell tested and supported for the PowerVault 128T Tape Library:
 CA ARCserve 2000 for Windows NT/2000
 ARCserve IT 6.61 for Linux
 ARCserve 7.0 for NetWare
 Veritas Backup Exec 8.5 for Windows NT/2000
 VeritasBackup Exec 8.6 for Windows NT/2000
 Backup Exec 8.5 for NetWare
For more information on LTO/ Ultrium technology please refer to the following URL: http://www.lto-technology.com/
For more information on SDLT technology please refer to the following
URL: http://www.quantum.com/Products/Quantum+l+DLTtape/SDLT+220/Defa ult.htmService and Support
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 7 January 2002

The Dell PowerVault 128T comes with the following:

Three-year limited warranty 1 supplemented with three years of Next
Business Day on-site 2 parts replacement and one year of Next Business
Day on-site 2 labor.

7-day/24-hour Lifetime Telephone Technical Support for troubleshooting and diagnosis of Dell hardware.

7-day/24-hour on-line services featuring extensive support capabilities.
The Dell PowerVault 128T has the following optional services:

Premier Enterprise Consulting Services delivered by Dell Technology
Consulting, provide robust services to design, test, validate, tune, and deploy IT solutions based on Dell server and storage technologies.

Premier Enterprise Deployment Services including pre-installation site planning and on-site system installation.

Premier Enterprise Support Services to help maximize system uptime through problem prevention, rapid issue resolution and easy to select support offerings. Choose from four tiers of support- Platinum, Gold,
Silver, and Bronze.
Platinum and Gold level support key features include:

Engineer-to-engineer support from Dell's dedicated Enterprise Expert
Center

Technical account managers providing a single point of accountability for problem resolution

Remote storage and software support (for Microsoft ® , Novell ® and Red
Hat ® Linux)

Seamless support with select third-party products to resolve issues through Dell as the single point of accountability

24x7 on-site hardware service coverage with a six-hour repair 4 commitment with options for on-site engineers, on-site spares, and onsite troubleshooting
The Silver Support level offers 24x7 hardware and software technical phone support from Dell's trained enterprise support staff with four-hour response on-site hardware service.
3 Bronze Support, for non-time sensitive systems, includes 24x7 hardware technical phone support, online technical assistance and next-business-day response with on-site 2 labor and parts replacement.
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 8 January 2002

Dell cannot be responsible for errors in typography or photography.
1 For a complete copy of our Guarantees or Limited Warranties, please write Dell, USA, L.P.,
One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682.
2
Service may be provided by third-party. Technician will be dispatched if necessary following phone-based troubleshooting. To receive next business day service, Dell must notify the service provider before 5pm (depending on service contract) customer time.
Availability varies.
3 Service
may be provided by third-party.
Available within a 125-mile radius of over 80 metropolitan areas. Customers not located within a 125-mile radius of the stocking locations are not eligible for this offering. For 7x24 or 5x10 service, Dell will dispatch a service technician within 4 hours of determining the hardware problem following phone-based trouble-shooting. For 5x10 service, the service technician may not arrive until the following business day if dispatched after 4:00 pm local time.
Available in the U.S. only.
4 Available within a 25-mile radius of over 60 metropolitan areas. Customers not located within a 25-mile radius of the stocking locations are not eligible for this offering. Dell will, if necessary after phone-based troubleshooting, dispatch a technician to the customer site within 2 hours of determining the hardware problem following phone-based troubleshooting. Service is subject to the terms and conditions of the service contract.
See http://www.dell.com/us/en/biz/services/service_4hour_svc.htm
for details.
Dell, PowerVault and PowerEdge are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Linear Tape-
Open, LTO, and Ultrium are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Seagate. DLT is a trademark of Quantum Corporation. Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
©Copyright 2002 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
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THIS INFOBRIEF.
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Dell.
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 9 January 2002