Virtual TapeServer 6.02.00 Installation Guide

HP Virtual TapeServer Installation Guide 22 HP Part Number 528654-006 Sept 2006
Best Practices
• Set the time and time zone on Virtual TapeServer to match the host system time.
• Keep the names on Virtual TapeServer and the NonStop server consistent to avoid
confusion. For example, use $VTAPE1 on the Virtual TapeServer and $TAPE1 on the
NonStop server.
• Create a separate vault sized so that it will always have sufficient space for HP NonStop
Transaction Management Facility (TMF) use or other processes that use disk storage
• When creating libraries, use no more than 32 characters for better display on the Web
pages.
• When possible, create no more than 50 cartridges in a library. This approach makes
finding a particular virtual cartridge easier and allows quicker Web page refreshes.
• Collapse libraries when they are not in use. This practice makes the display of your
virtual media faster and makes finding a specific library easier.
• When creating a tape device on a NonStop server, include COMPRESSION OFF in the
statement. This option has no effect on compression or performance but is necessary
for proper operation.
• When starting a tape device on a NonStop server, make sure no virtual cartridges are
mounted. The NonStop server can timeout if trying to simultaneously read a cartridge
label and load the tape device driver.
• When stopping a tape device on a NonStop server, make sure all virtual cartridges are
unmounted. The NonStop server can timeout if trying to shutdown with mounted virtual
cartridges.
• Options to consider for optimum performance:
o Process priority is ranked 1 through 190, with 190 being highest. Backup is
20 by default.
o CPU usage: Consider the processes that will be running on your system and
apportion jobs accordingly.
o Blocksize: 52 has proven to be the most efficient.
• Make backups of the Virtual TapeServer database and configuration files in case Virtual
TapeServer is rebuilt at a later date:
1. Insert a blank diskette into the Virtual TapeServer.
2. Go to Factory Setup/Administrator Utilities.
3. On the Administrator Utilities screen, you will see Backup the Database and
Backup the Configuration Files.