We have been running TS 3573 with LTO5 FC HH drives since 2011.
Upgraded to LTO7 FC HH drives in 2016.
Library has performed very well, minimal issues.
The 3573 was announced 05/09/2006.
IBM announced End of Marketing for this series of libraries.
Library had a 12 year life.
Hardware withdrawal: Select IBM TS3100, TS3200, and TS3500 tape library models and features
https://www-01.ibm.com/common/ssi/ShowDoc.wss?docURL=/common/ssi/rep_ca/3/649/ENUSA17-0553/index.html&request_locale=en
Currently duplicated media is taken to an off-site tape vault on a daily basis.
With our P7-P9 upgrade, we were considering a second library for off-site duplication.
We can no longer order this same TS3573 library, replaced with IBM TS4300 series.
https://www.ibm.com/us-en/marketplace/ts4300?S_PKG=-&cm_mmc=Search_Google-_-IBM+Systems_WW_Always+On+Digital_Storage-_-WW_NA-_-+ts4300_Broad_-&cm_mmca1=000002PW&cm_mmca2=10005033&cm_mmca7=9006966&cm_mmca8=aud-311016886972:kwd-453791249640&cm_mmca9=e644abd7-d34b-4b90-9795-fe40d987f291&cm_mmca10=291147035994&cm_mmca11=b&mkwid=e644abd7-d34b-4b90-9795-fe40d987f291%7C503%7C289202&cvosrc=ppc.google.%2Bts4300&cvo_campaign=000002PW&cvo_crid=291147035994&Matchtype=b&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhcDS0ver3gIVGAaGCh3pGwvFEAAYASAAEgKSxvD_BwE
Do I need to be concerned that a future point IBM will no longer support the TS3573?
Doing some re-evaluating at this point.
1) Replace current production TS3200 library with a new TS4300 with LTO8 FC HH drives.
Would give us performance and capacity.
Would relocate current TS3200 hundred to off-site location to be used for destination duplication only.
This would also eliminate all tape handling.
Both libraries have enough slots to hold all media in the libraries.
No media would ever have to be removed from the libraries.
2) Keep current library in-tact, buy a 2nd used library for off-site duplication.
3) Entertaining other backup options using BRMS.
Some of our backups (Monthend Saves) are kept forever.
I'm not sure the comparable priced VTL solutions could keep this much archived data.
Any suggestions from the group?
Thank You
_____
Paul Steinmetz
IBM i Systems Administrator
Pencor Services, Inc.
462 Delaware Ave
Palmerton Pa 18071
610-826-9117 work
610-826-9188 fax
610-349-0913 cell
610-377-6012 home
psteinmetz@xxxxxxxxxx
http://www.pencor.com/
midrange.com
