Tape Libraries & Autoloaders
Tape Libraries & Autoloaders covers automated tape: HPE StoreEver 1/8 G2 autoloaders, MSL library drive modules such as the LTO-7 SAS module, IBM LTO-3 autoloader modules, SSL1016 drives with carriers, and legacy Compaq DAT autoloaders and TL881 DLT libraries. An autoloader holds one drive and a magazine of cartridges; a library adds more slots, more drives and expansion. Drive modules are specific to the library family they slide into.
Tape Libraries & Autoloaders: 875 products
Buying guide
Libraries and drive modules
Autoloader or library
Autoloaders suit one server's nightly backup. Libraries add drives and slots for parallel jobs, expansion modules and partitioning.
Drive sleds
Library drives come mounted in a sled made for that library. A bare drive, or one from another family, won't seat correctly.
Barcodes
Libraries inventory cartridges by barcode label. Use labels matched to the media generation so the library and backup software agree.
Tape Libraries & Autoloaders
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade the drive in my autoloader to a newer LTO generation?
Often yes, within the same library family, using that library's drive module, provided the library firmware supports the new generation. Remember the new drive's backward-compatibility limits.
Do I need barcode labels for my tape library?
For a library with a barcode reader, yes. Labels let the library track cartridges by slot without loading each one.
