INFOBrief

Dell™ PowerVault™ 136T

Tape Library

Key Points

  • The Dell™ PowerVault™ 136T tape library is designed to address increasing storage capacities and decreasing backup windows in various IT environments.
  • The PowerVault 136T can be configured with up to six tape drives, including Super DLT (SDLT 320), Ultrium LTO (LTO-1), or Ultrium 2 LTO (LTO-2).
  • The PowerVault 136T delivers 345 GB/hr (SDLT 320), 324 GB/hr (LTO-1), or 765 GB/hr (LTO-2) of uncompressed backup performance.
  • The PowerVault 136T offers up to 9.6 terabytes (SDLT 320), 7.2 terabytes (LTO-1), or 14.4 terabytes (LTO-2) of uncompressed storage capacity.
  • An optional, embedded 2 Gb/sec fibre channel router can be used to deliver a high-performance SAN backup solution.
  • The PowerVault 136T allows current DLT customers to migrate to SDLT with backwards compatibility, or choose the high-performance linear technology, LTO (1 or 2).
  • 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 and a variety of IT environments.

Background

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 136T. The PowerVault 136T offers tremendous flexibility as a direct-attached LAN backup device or consolidated SAN backup capabilities.

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 136T allows current DLT users to migrate to the latest DLT technology – SDLT 320. Providing outstanding cartridge capacity, SDLT 320 allows for backward read compatibility SDLT 320 offers full backward read compatibility with DLTtape IV cartridge media written on DLT 4000, DLT 7000, DLT 8000, DLT 1, and VS 80 drives. SDLT 320 uses the same Super DLTtape I media as the SDLT 220 drives and offers backward read and write compatibility to SDLT 220.

LTO is a relatively new linear technology designed to deliver the same tape format (LTO Ultrium) from several providers, at cost competitive prices. There are two generations of LTO technology available today to meet back up requirements. This technology is not backward compatible with DLT, but does offer compelling backup performance and excellent reliability, and has achieved amazing industry and market acceptance.

Product Description

The PowerVault 136TTape Library has a standard-length, 14U height (1U = 1.75 inches) form factor, which will accommodate up to six SDLT 320 or LTO (1 or 2) tape drives, and has room for 60 SDLTtape1 cartridges or 72 Ultrium (1 or 2) LTO cartridges. The PowerVault 136T can be ordered as a desk-side model, or rack mountable. If ordered as a rack mount solution, Dell provides rapid rails for efficient installation. Available as a direct attached, Ultra-2 SCSI backup device, the PowerVault 136T also allows for a 2 Gb/s fibre channel router to be installed for SAN backup needs. Using the latest in fibre channel technology, this 2 x 4 (two fibre channel ports x four LVD SCSI ports) router allows a full 2 Gb/s backup solution with 2 Gb/s fibre channel switches and host bus adapters (HBAs). Tables 1 and 2 provide the maximum backup rates of the PowerVault 136T based on tape technology and the number of drives.

Tables 1, 2, and 3

Backup rates[1] of SDLT 320, LTO (1 and 2) drives in the PowerVault 136T

Number of SDLT 320 Drives / Backup Rate (MB/s) / Backup Rate (GB/hr) / Compressed Backup Rate (GB/hr) assuming 2:1 compression
1 / 16 / 58 / 116
2 / 32 / 116 / 232
3 / 48 / 174 / 348
4 / 64 / 232 / 464
5 / 80 / 290 / 580
6 / 96 / 348 / 696
Number of LTO-1 Drives / Backup Rate (MB/s) / Backup Rate (GB/hr) / Compressed Backup Rate (GB/hr) assuming 2:1 compression
1 / 15 / 54 / 108
2 / 30 / 108 / 216
3 / 45 / 162 / 324
4 / 60 / 216 / 432
5 / 75 / 270 / 540
6 / 90 / 324 / 648
Number of LTO-2 Drives / Backup Rate (MB/s) / Backup Rate (GB/hr) / Compressed Backup Rate (GB/hr) assuming 2:1 compression
1 / 35 / 126 / 252
2 / 70 / 252 / 504
3 / 105 / 378 / 756
4 / 140 / 504 / 1008
5 / 175 / 630 / 1260
6 / 210 / 756 / 1512

Tape Technology Formats

LTO (Ultrium 1 and 2) 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, bi-directional formats with enhancements in servo technology, data compression, track layout, and error correction code to help maximize capacity, performance and reliability.

SDLT 320 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. The latest generation of SDLT technology allows each SDLT tape to have an additional 60GB of storage capacity in comparison to LTO Ultrium media. With the ability to backward read DLT 4000, DLT 7000, DLT 8000, and DLT1 formats, current DLT users with high investments in DLTtape IV media can migrate to SDLT.

A feature comparison of these two technologies is shown in Table 4. The features and benefits of the PowerVault 136T are shown in Table 5.

Table 4

Feature Comparison of LTO and DLT Tape Technologies

(Source: Dell Enterprise Storage Group Engineering, June 2003)

Feature / DLT4K / DLT7K / DLT8K / DLT1 / SDLT 320 / LTO-1 Ultrium / LTO-2 Ultrium 2
Mean time between failures (MTBF) at 100 percent duty cycle / 200,000 hours / 250,000 hours / 250,000
hours / 200,000 hours / 250,000
hours / 250,000 hours / 250,000 hours
Capacity (native) / 20GB / 35GB / 40GB / 40GB / 160GB / 100GB / 200GB
Maximum Capacity (Compressed) / 40GB / 70GB / 80GB / 80GB / 320GB / 200 GB / 400 GB
Transfer Rate (native) / 1.5MB/s
5GB/hr / 5.0MB/s
18GB/hr / 6.0MB/s
20GB/hr / 3MB/s
10GB/hr / 16.0MB/s
58GB/hr / 15MB/s
54GB/hr / 35MB/s
126GB/hr
Maximum Transfer Rate (compressed) / 3MB/s / 10MB/s / 12MB/s / 6MB/s / 32.0MB/s / 30 MB/s / 70 MB/s
Read Compatibility / Read DLT 2000 / Read DLT 4000 / Read DLT 4000/ 7000 / Read DLT 4000 / Read 4000/ 7000/ 8000/ DLT1 / Read LTO Ultrium Open Format / Read LTO Ultrium (1 and 2) Open Format
Head Life / 10,000 hours / 30,000 hours / 30,000 hours / 30,000 hours / 30,000 hours / 60,000 hours / 60,000 hours

Table 5

Features, Functions, and Benefits of the PowerVault 136T Tape Library

Feature / Function / Benefit
Performance[2] / The PowerVault 136T LTO tape library boasts 210 MB/s maximum data transfer rate (native) with six drives. This translates to 756 GB/hr. The PowerVault 136T SDLT 320 provides 96MB/s maximum native data transfer rate, resulting in a backup rate of 348GB/hr. / Organizations can back-up more information in less time.
Scalable Capacity[3] / The native capacity of SDLT 320 media is 160GB. Up to 60 cartridges can be used for 9.6TB.
The native capacity of LTO media is 100GB. Up to 72 cartridges can be used, yielding 7.2 TB maximum.
The native capacity of LTO-2 media is 200GB. Up to 72 cartridges can be used, yielding 14.4 TB maximum. / Organizations can choose the capacity they need and backup up to 14.4TB of data.
Fibre Channel Module / The 2Gb/s fibre channel router option enables SAN connectivity. / Investment protection is ensured as the PowerVault 136T is ready for 2Gb/s backup applications.
Library Mailbox / Mailbox options of 1, 10 (SDLT) or 1, 12 (LTO-1 or LTO-2) allow for the import and export of tape cartridges, preventing the re-inventorying of the library. / Backup time is maximized as library inventory time is reduced.
Manageability / 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 SDLT 320 or LTO (1 or 2) tape technology can be used within the PowerVault 136T tape library. / Organizations can choose the technology that meets the needs of their unique environment.

Hardware Requirements and Supported Software

Hardware
The Dell platforms that support the use of the PowerVault 136T tape library are the PowerEdge 2600, 2650, 4400, 4600, 6400, 6650, 6600, and 8450.

Operating Systems

  • Microsoft® Windows® 2003
  • Microsoft Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
  • 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 136T Tape Library:

  • CA BrightStor ARCserve v9.0 for Windows
  • CA BrightStor ARCserve 2000 for Windows
  • CA BrightStor ARCserve v7.0 for Linux
  • CA BrightStor ARCserve v7.0 for NetWare
  • VERITAS Backup Exec 9.0 for Windows
  • VERITAS Backup Exec 8.6 for Windows NT/2000
  • VERITAS Backup Exec 8.5 for NetWare

For More Information

For more information on LTO/ Ultrium technology please refer to the following URL:

For more information on SDLT technology please refer to the following URL:

and Support

Service and Support

The Dell PowerVault 136T comes with the following:

  • Three-year limited warranty4 supplemented with three years of Next Business Day5 parts replacement and one year of Next Business Day labor5.
  • 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 136T has the following optional services:

  • Premier Enterprise Consulting Servicesdelivered by Dell Technology Consulting, provides robust services to design, test, validate, tune, and deploy IT solutions based on Dell server and storage technologies.
  • Premier Enterprise Deployment Servicesincluding 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. Offers 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 and
  • 24x7 on-site hardware service coverage with up to a six-hour repair7 commitment with options for on-site engineers, on-site spares, and on-site 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. Bronze Support, for non-time sensitive systems, includes 24x7 hardware technical phone support, online technical assistance and next-business-day response with on-site5 labor and parts replacement.

4For a complete copy of our Guarantees or Limited Warranties, please write Dell, USA, L.P., One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682.

5Service may be provided by third-party. Availability varies. Technician will be dispatched if necessary following phone-based troubleshooting.

6 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. Available in the U.S. only.

7Available 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 trouble-shooting. For the 6-Hour Repair service, Dell (and our service partners) will endeavor to repair the hardware within 6 hours of determining the hardware problem. "Repair" is defined as standard Dell server hardware diagnostics successfully completed and with operational equipment showing no indication of original symptoms. Intermittent faults that cannot be duplicated are excluded as part of the 6-hour time commitment. This service includes NOS restoration of Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Novell Netware, however this activity is not part of the 6-hour time commitment. Restoration is defined as allowing the NOS to reload without hardware fault and a login prompt to appear on the server monitor. The customer must provide the original NOS media for this restoration and is responsible for restoration of application software and data. "Repair" of the PowerVault means that no hardware faults or errors are reported. Service is subject to the terms and conditions of the service contract. Available on select Dell PowerApp, PowerEdge and PowerVault models in the U.S. only. See 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 2003 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. For more information contact Dell. Dell cannot be responsible for errors in typography or photography.

Dell Enterprise Product GroupPage 1June 2003

[1] Actual performance is dependant on settings, user environment and applications.

[2] Actual performance is dependant on settings, user environment and applications.

[3] Few users will actually realize the maximum capacity.