The tape library can be configured into one or more logical libraries that can be shared by multiple applications.
The guided setup for the tape library allows a single application to operate the library. Often, however, it is advantageous to be able to share a single library between heterogeneous or homogeneous applications. Some applications (and some servers) do not allow for sharing a library between systems. With the tape library, however, you can create configurations that enable the library to process commands from multiple heterogeneous applications (such as an IBM® System p application and a Windows application) and multiple homogeneous applications (for example, the same application run by several System p servers).
- Configure the library so that it is partitioned into separate logical libraries that independently communicate with separate applications through separate control paths. This configuration (see example 1 in Figure 1) requires no special capabilities from the server or application.
- Configure any single logical library (including the entire physical library) so that it is
shared by two or more servers that are running the same application. Depending on the capabilities
of the server and application, there are several ways to set up this type of configuration. Three
typical ways include:
- Configuring one server (host) to communicate with the library through a single control path; all other servers send requests to that server through a network (see example 2 in Figure 1). This configuration is used by Spectrum Protect.
- Configuring all of the servers to communicate with the library through a single, common control path (see example 3 in Figure 1). This configuration is used in high-availability environments. Multi-initiator configurations are only supported by certain adapters and independent software vendors (ISVs). Check with your ISV.
- Configuring a single logical library to communicate with multiple servers through multiple control paths. This configuration (see example 4 in Figure 1) requires that you add control paths. It is used by Backup, Recovery, and Media Services.
Your library configuration is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 1. Many configurations are possible, and you can design them according to your business needs.