[Guide] How to add a tape library in NovaStor DataCenter?

NovaStor DataCenter v8.2.x and newer

WARNING: For some editions of CentOS and Ubuntu Linux (and other Linux distributions that are based on those): You will have to Manually add the user novastor to the usergroup "tape".  When the Client or CmdSrv was installed it created a novastor user, and in order for that user that DataCenter is running as currently to communicate to the tape library or single tape device that is connected physically to that Linux machine, it will need to have the novastor user in the usergroup "tape", otherwise the the user will have no permission to talk to the device.

From version 8.2.x more and more functions are transferred to the DC Web Console, from version 9.x there will only be the DC Web Console available. Only the setup of a tape library is not yet done via DC Web Console but via the optional DC Tape Manager. In principle the setup is done in the DC Management Console as in version 8.2.x, the procedure is almost identical. The setup of a tape library is described in the online manual and is also valid for the new versions that use the DC Tape Manager:

WARNING: In order to add a tape library in NovaStor DataCenter it is REQUIRED to have a barcode label affixed to all tapes that will be utilized in the library.  The label must contain a barcode, otherwise you will receive an error like this when attempting to use the 'Attach library' function to add the library, as it will attempt to read the barcode on the tape that it will load when it runs that function:

https://dcmanual.novastor.com/help-html/dc/en/SetupaTapeLibrary.html

Below you will find a customized description for DC Tape Manager version 9.x.

Checklist before configuration

Check whether the following prerequisites are met:

Table 1: Requirements to be verified

Check drivers for the tape library

NovaStor DataCenter (DC) requires the Microsoft drivers for a tape library (see table above). The tape library must be listed in the Device Manager as follows:

Image 1: Drivers for Medium Changer and Tape Drives in Device Manager

The library changer must be listed as "Unknown media changer". Manufacturer drivers are NOT supported by DC! Manufacturer drivers can be used for the drives. If malfunctions occur during backup, switch them to Microsoft generic drivers.

1. Definition of a Media Management Server

The Media Management Server takes over the administration of the media for different Backup Servers and Tape Libraries. For the use of a Tape Library at least one Media Management Server must be defined. This can be any server, but it usually makes sense to assign this role to the backup server.

1. Select the Storage Management module, select Media Management Servers
    and right-click to select "New".

2. Select the desired server from the drop-down list and confirm the selection with "OK".

Image 2: Tape Manager: Create a new Media Management Server

2. Setting up a library server

NovaStor DataCenter supports dynamic library sharing, which means that a tape library can be used by multiple backup servers simultaneously. In such a scenario, one server (the Library Server) takes over the management and control of the library. The configuration of access to the library is also done in this step. Therefore, this step is necessary even if there is only one Backup Server. In this case, the Backup Server will also be the Library Server.

1. Select the Media Management Server defined in the previous step.

2. Select the New Library function.

3. Select the Library Server from the drop-down list.

4. Select the desired Library under "Library Control", and the software will show you the detected Library in the field below.

5. Give the library a name.

6. Confirm the definition with OK.

At this point, the software will check the configuration of the library and load a tape into the drives to verify the drive mapping. This process may take a few minutes.

If there is an error in this step, please go through the checklist again step by step, delete the library and repeat the step.

Image 3: Connect Library



Image 4: Library Configuration

3. Assigning the library to a backup server

The final step in configuring a tape library is to assign the tape library to a backup server. Since NovaStor DataCenter supports dynamic library sharing, you can also assign a library to multiple backup servers. Conversely, by defining and selecting a partition, it is possible to assign only certain tape drives of the library to the backup server.

1. Select the Backup Server to which you want to assign the library in the Storage Management area.

2. Select the "Attach Library" function.

3. Select the library you want to assign and the correct media type.

4. Confirm the definition with "OK".

Image 5: Attach Library to Backupserver



Image 6: Select correct media type

In Tape Library Management, the library can be configured.

Navigate to Media Management > Tape Library Management.

⇨ The Media Management dialog box opens.

Click on tab "Library":


Image 7: "Library" tab: assign media type

Select all media and right click => select "Edit media type"
Then select the correct media type. 

Next click tab "Scratch pools". 
Create a new scratch pool, e.g. Scratch01, save.
Click tab "Library" and add all media to that scratch pool.

Go to tab "Media pools".
Create a new media pool, e.g. Tap.001.
Select a scratch pool, in this example "Scratch01".

This is a short description and explains not all steps in detail. For more details about how to create/configure media/scratch pools etc. please consult the manual.


Explanations