Quantum/ATL Makes Noise With Its Enterprise-Class Library - Quantum M1500 - Product Information

Computer Technology Review, Feb, 2001 by Nick Schultz

ATL, a unit of Quantum's DLT and Storage Systems Group and a leading supplier of intelligent DLTtape automation for networked computers, is making noise with the launch of its M1500 enterprise-class library.

Designed for Global 2000 and e-commerce 100 companies, the M1500 modular library is rack mountable and available in increments of up to two drives and 20 cartridges that easily scale up to 20 tape drives and 200 cartridges.

An independent module called StackLink integrates multiple units and can move cartridges directly from one module to another within three seconds. With StackLink, multiple units function as a single, integrated library with media movement between any library and any available tape drive. StackLink connects M1500 library modules into scaleable library systems, up to ten modules in a single rack footprint, allowing users to buy modules on an "as-needed" basis for ad hoc storage expansion while protecting their initial investment. Modules can be added while the library stays online, with minimal impact on operations providing maximum uptime. Scalability permits users to keep backup capability in line with overall growth without the need for a high initial investment.

A unique feature of the M1500 is its ability, in a multi-unit configuration, to continue operation and provide 100 percent data availability in the event of a unit failure. Because all data cartridges are in removable magazines and not "trapped" in a non-functioning library, critical data can easily be placed into another working unit for rapid access. In addition, because each unit has separate, independent robotics, a single module failure does not impact the rest of the library. Stack-all units continue to operate and cartridges can continue to be passed among working units. The affected library module can be removed and a new one installed while the library remains online. Rounding out the high availability features, the M1500 includes hot swappable, hot pluggable tape drives for ease of maintenance.

With additional features such as 800GB of native capacity scalable to 16TB (using ten library modules and DLT8000 drives with 2:1 data compression) and throughput from 21GB/hour native to 864GB/hour (using 20 DLT8000 drives with 2:1 data compression), it will be difficult to keep quiet in this library. Now available, pricing for the M1500 starts at $17,645 for a 20-cartridge unit with a single DLT8000 tape drive.