The Storage Manager/Architect Perspective
I need to
- Eliminate the complexity of multiple tape technologies.
- Save mainframe CPU cycles.
- Converge mainframe and distributed backup processes
- Reclaim data center space.
- Meet or exceed SEC requirements and Service Level Agreements.
Eliminate the complexity of multiple tape technologies.
The Mainframe Data Library (MDL) emulates 3480, 3490, and 3590 tape drives. Whether you have an IBM VTS or StorageTek VSM solution for your batch processing, a dedicated IBM ATL or StorageTek SILO for HSM needs-or a combination of both-the Mainframe Data Library (MDL) handles these environments equally well. Because our solutions provide unlimited cache in the form of our partners' dedicated storage, you don't have to deal with the cache overruns-and subsequent tape recycles-that are inherent in today's VTS and VSM offerings. We can also support SCSI 3490 and 3590 tape attachment for incidental tape needs, so you can replace your entire tape infrastructure and still be able to send data tapes to third parties.
Save CPU cycles with open data exchange.
The Mainframe Data Library (MDL) is ideal for importing or exporting data to/from open system platforms for applications such as data mining or data warehousing. Simply use one of up to 1,024 available tape transports to "write or read" the file as a tape and have the MDL send/receive the data over your existing network via IP. This is a much more efficient approach than writing a tape and then reading it into the open system platform-or using valuable mainframe FTP cycles to accomplish the task.
Converge mainframe and distributed backup processes
The Mainframe Data Library (MDL) lets you realize substantial cost savings by adding your mainframe server to the backup process you currently use for your distributed systems. Doing this allows you to leverage your existing infrastructure and skill sets in a single, simplified solution. You can also take advantage of data deduplication technology from industry-leading VTLs to save storage space and data transmission costs while improving data recovery performance.
Reclaim much-needed data center real estate.
The Mainframe Data Library (MDL) and associated storage typically reside in two 19-inch data center racks and can replace multiple SILOs (ATLs) or VTS/VSM engines. By consolidating your current tape infrastructure into an MDL solution, significant savings can be realized in floor space and associated environmental requirements, including electrical, air conditioning, and fire suppression.
Meet or exceed SEC requirements and Service Level Agreements.
The Mainframe Data Library (MDL) provides native support for compliant storage from EMC (Centera), Network Appliance (SnapLock), and Hitachi's Content Archive Platform (HCAP). This feature allows you to deploy low-cost disk solutions that meet or exceed SEC compliance directives regarding maintaining data in its original form. This, coupled with the MDL's sub-second mounts and time-to-first-byte capability, allows you to store massive amounts of data and retrieve it very quickly to help meet your SLA requirements, without expanding your primary DASD storage pools.
