Re: TAPMLB01

[Jim Oberholtzer <midrangel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Best practice for tape management with a tape library and BRMS is to use 
bar code labels, and initialize the tape to have the same name as the 
barcode, IE barcode says:  AG1001, the tape would be initialized to name 
AG1001.  If your tapes do not have barcode labels on them, you can buy 
Avery 6577 Labels ( 5/8 by 3 ) and use the web site: 
http://www.mytapelabels.com/ to print them.  It's best if you just buy 
the tapes with labels on them.

You are correct about your library, if you put it in sequential mode it 
becomes a very expensive autoloader for tapes. Stack several tapes in 
there and when a tape is ejected, the next one will get mounted.  BRMS 
really wants the library to be in Random mode so it can control the 
library.  In your case right now, I would suggest waiting for your 
installation of BRMS until after your installation.  So Sequential mode 
it is.

After your environment settles a bit, implementing BRMS in a single LPAR 
environment can be done in most cases in  1 or 2 days.  Adding in the 
restricted state backup while you sleep is a real added bonus.  It seems 
to me there are quite a few wasted capital dollars you could start using 
in a hurry with BRMS.

There are some lessons to be learned with BRMS such as backing up the 
IFS and a couple of quirks to be aware of but overall it makes life much 
simpler to mange backups.

<Vendor response>
Agile offers the services to install/configure/implement BRMS as 
needed.  Call if you care to.
</Vendor Response>


Jim Oberholtzer
Chief Technical Architect
Agile Technology Architects


On 5/31/2013 10:27 AM, John McKee wrote:
> We have BRMS installed.  Never been used.  Weird labeling on tapes - DAILY
> and WEEKLY is likely the reason.
>
> I have been informed that I will be responsible for pre and post install
> backup.Not a big deal.
>
> But, despite having a big media library, the tapes are inserted into the
> single slot.
>
> Our backup takes two tapes now.  I was wondering if two tapes could be put
> into the unit and a GO SAVE 21 would just grab the next tape .  I know I
> have seen something about configuring the library for sequential.  Just
> don't remember enough to do a search.
>
> I was wondering if I could put two or maybe three tapes in the library, and
> have GO SAVE 21 do a scheduled start and swap tapes as needed.
>
>
> Is this just a BRMS thing?
>
> I don't understand why we have a media library but don't actually use it.
>
> John McKee
> --