Virtual TapeServer 8.3 Configuration Guide

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Creating and Managing VTLs and VTDs
After Virtual TapeServer is deployed, you can create virtual tape libraries (VTLs). A VTL emulates
the functionality of a tape library, which contains one or more tape drives, magazines that hold tape
cartridges, a barcode reader to identify tape cartridges, and a media changer for loading and
unloading tape cartridges. The virtual changers move virtual cartridges to and from virtual tape
drives (VTDs) as instructed by standard host software, backup management applications, and
utilities.
If applicable, a VTL can accept these commands from multiple hosts over Fibre Channel.
Note If multiple host servers will share a VTL, ensure that each host server's operating system
supports device sharing, such as through the use of reservations.
If necessary, you can add a vault for VTL and VTD storage as described in "Adding vaults on external
storage devices" on page 14.
You can also create standalone VTDs.
It is recommended that you back up the VTS database before and after modifying the VTS
configuration. See "Backing up the VTS server" on page 155 for more information.
This chapter describes how to create and modify VTLs and standalone VTDs.
Managing VTLs
A virtual tape library (VTL) emulates the functionality of a physical tape library, which contains tape
drives, magazines that hold tape cartridges, a barcode reader to identify tapes, and a SCSI media
changer for loading and unloading tape cartridges. The VTL's virtual changer moves virtual tapes to
and from virtual tape drives (VTDs) as instructed by standard host software, backup management
applications, and utilities. A VTL can accept these commands from multiple hosts over Fibre Channel.
The Configure Virtual Devices page enables you to create and modify VTLs. The Manage Virtual
Tapes page enables you to manage the virtual tapes in VTLs.
Creating a VTL
When you create a VTL, the following are also created:
l The specified number of virtual tape drives (VTDs)
l One virtual tape magazine (VTM), which defines the list of virtual tapes that are present in
the VTL