Key features
The TS2900 delivers the following features:
An entry-level and compact tape library for high capacity, high performance, and high reliability.
Adherence to LTO specifications.
Support for one half-high LTO Ultrium 8, Ultrium 7, Ultrium 6, Ultrium 5, or Ultrium 6 SAS tape drive.
Native cartridge capacity of up to 12 TB (Ultrium 8), 6 TB (Ultrium 7), up to 2.5 TB (Ultrium 6), or up to
1.5 TB (Ultrium 5).
Native data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s (Ultrium 8 or Ultrium 7), up to 160 MB/s (Ultrium 6), or up
to 140 MB/s (Ultrium 5).
One removable magazine that houses nine data cartridges (including one I/O station) to enable quick
population of the tape library and ease the storage needs for media.
A single I/O station to help support continuous library operations, while importing and exporting
media with little or no disruption to library operation.
A standard bar code reader with which you can operate the TS2900 in sequential (autoloader) or
random (library) access mode.
Mixed media support, including IBM LTO Ultrium 8, 7, 6, and 5 Write Once Read Many (WORM)
media.
Remote management capabilities to allow for administration of the TS2900 through a web interface.
Optional Library Managed Encryption on LTO Ultrium 8, 7, 6, and 5 SAS tape drives with a
Transparent LTO Encryption feature.
Optional rack-mount kits, deskside covers, and extra cartridge magazines.
A 6 Gbps SAS attachment for connection to select Lenovo servers that run Microsoft Windows and
Linux server operating systems.
Support from an extensive ecosystem of backup software vendors.
The IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Drives include the following IBM LTO Ultrium features:
Dual-stage head actuator
The 16-channel actuator (LTO Ultrium 5 and 6) or 32-channel actuator (LTO Ultrium 7 and 8) provide
precision head alignment to help support higher track density and improved data integrity.
Independent tape loader and threader motors and positive pin retention
These technologies help improve the reliability of loading and unloading a cartridge and retain the
pin, even if tension is dropped. An independent loader motor, coupled with the positive pin retention,
causes the tape to thread with a higher level of reliability.
Graceful dynamic braking
If there is a power failure, reel motors maintain tension and gradually decelerate instead of stopping
abruptly, which helps reduce tape breakage, stretching, or loose tape wraps during a sudden power
outage.
Servo and track layout technology
There are 6656 data tracks in Ultrium 8, 3584 data tracks in Ultrium 7, 2176 data tracks in Ultrium 6,
and 1280 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
IBM patented Surface Control Guiding Mechanism guides the tape along the tape path in the Ultrium
8, 7, 6, and 5 Tape Drives. This method uses the surface of the tape, rather than the edges, to control
tape motion. This configuration 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.
IBM TS2900 Tape Autoloader for Lenovo
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