Unique Features

The interface has several time saving, error reducing features that help you integrate the ACS into your backup strategy.

• Once you have added tapes to the ACSLS scratch pool, you do not have to add the tapes a second time to the media pool.

• DPX automatically labels tapes and adds the tapes to the Catalog. Automatic labeling saves time because it eliminates the need to label tapes prior to the backup operation. It also ensures that DPX correctly records the tape label in the Catalog, thereby eliminating the chance of human error.

• When you remove tapes from or insert tapes into an ACS, DPX can automatically examine the contents of the ACS and determine which tapes have been added or removed.

• DPX monitors the ACSLS scratch pool. When the contents of the ACSLS scratch pool fall below the threshold set for that pool, DPX prompts the operator to add more tapes.

• DPX provides error handling when a tape has been left in a drive. For example, if DPX discovers a tape has been inadvertently left in a drive, perhaps by a third party product, a power failure, or a software error, it checks to see if the tape is the desired tape. If the tape is correct, DPX uses it. If not, DPX requests that the tape be returned to a slot and replaced with the desired tape.

• DPX retains its parallel processing capabilities with ACSLS. By issuing asynchronous MOUNT requests, DPX can request that multiple tapes be mounted at the same time, thereby cutting overall mount time.