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Status Delivered
Workspace IBM i
Categories Hardware
Created by Guest
Created on Apr 25, 2022

RELATED IDEAS

IBM i tape virtualization for TS3500

IBM i 7.4 TR2 added tape library virtualization from host to client partitions. This works VERY WELL with out TS4300 tape libraries. We are looking at migrating to a VTL solution, and that solution presents as a TS3500 tape library. Can support for virtualizing TS3500 tape library devices be added? This would eliminate the need to move physical controllers between LPARs to accomplish the backups.

Idea priority Low
  • Guest
    Jul 11, 2025
    The 3584 tape library devices have not been virtualized on earlier IBM i releases because a 3584 tape library can be configured beyond the limits of the virtualization function. There could be so many storage, drive, and Import/Export elements that the virtualization functions would not work correctly. However, because many VTLs emulate the 3584, you and other customers have wanted to be able to virtualize the VTLs to share among multiple IBM i partitions.

    IBM i 7.6 now adds support to allow the use of Tape Library Virtualization to share the 3584 tape library devices among IBM i partitions. This support is limited to smaller tape libraries that are configured to have less than 5000 total defined elements, meaning less than 5000 storage slots plus drives plus Import/Export elements.

    IBM i 7.6 with PTF MJ06130 is required. This PTF is included in the IBM i 7.6 Power11 GA PTF Group, so you can also just load that PTF Group.

    For more information, see IBM i Removable Media: Tape Library Virtualization (https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/3544173).
    Reply
  • Guest
    Jul 25, 2022
    IBM will use this request as input to planning but no commitment is made or implied. This request will be updated in the future if IBM implements it. IBM will use votes and comments from others in the community to help prioritize this request.
    Reply
  • Guest
    Jul 12, 2022

    The CAAC has reviewed this Idea and recommends that IBM view this as a “nice to have” low priority feature. This would be a nice option to have, but existing alternative is to move it to another partition with the HMC.


    Background: The COMMON Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CAAC has a key role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual Ideas on the broader IBM i community, and has therefore reviewed your Idea.


    For more information about CAAC, see www.common.org/caac


    Nancy Uthke-Schmucki - CAAC Program Manager

    Reply
  • Guest
    Jun 30, 2022
    Thank you for your prompt response. We will continue to evaluate your request and will provide another update in this Idea after evaluation is complete.

    IBM Power Systems Development
    Reply
  • Guest
    Jun 17, 2022

    We have our VTL configured as a single tape library with six devices and a couple hundred storage slots. We'd like to have it virtualized like the TS4300 is, so that we don't have to reallocate the controller when moving between partitions.

    Reply
  • Guest
    Jun 17, 2022
    It is not possible to support a large 3584 tape library using the same intra-partition interfaces used to virtualize the smaller tape library devices. For your use case, how many devices and virtual media storage slots do you anticipate you would need to use?
    Reply
  • Guest
    May 13, 2022
    For your use case, would it be acceptable to limit it only to 3584 tape libraries and limit with a small number of tape devices and storage slots?
    Reply

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