Scalar i500 User’s Guide
9
Chapter 1
1
Description
The Scalar i500 tape library automates the retrieval, storage, and
management of tape cartridges. Tape cartridges are stored in the library
and mounted and dismounted from tape drives using firmware running
on the library or software running on the host systems.
The Scalar i500 tape library is different from other tape libraries because it
is an intelligent library (see
Intelligent Storage
on page 13). The Scalar
i500 tape library offers advanced management features and reliability as
well as scalable performance and storage capacity. As your storage
capacity and tape drive requirements change, expansion modules can be
added to the library, allowing a configuration of up to a full 41 rack units
(41U, where 1U = 1.75”).
The Scalar i500 library is designed for ease of installation, configuration,
and field upgrades. The Scalar i500 library is built upon two basic
building blocks: the 5U control module and 9U expansion module.
These building blocks form the basis of the following library
configurations:
• A 5U library, consisting of a 5U stand-alone control module.
Figure 1
shows the front view of a 5U library.
• A 14U library, consisting of one 5U control module and one 9U
expansion module.
Figure 2
on page 11 shows the front view of a 14U
library.
• A 23U library, consisting of one 5U control module and two 9U
expansion modules.
Figure 3
on page 12 shows the front view of a
23U library.
