Configuring Virtual Libraries This chapter explains how to configure virtual libraries with your Tape Library Option. Overview The Tape Library Option, in conjunction with the Virtual Library feature, provides a versatile tool that addresses a wide spectrum of storage requirements. The Virtual Library feature works seamlessly over the Tape Library Option enabling physical libraries to be configured into smaller virtual (logical) libraries, while still sharing the same robotics, import/export slots and cleaning media. The Virtual Library feature provides the flexibility to configure large libraries into smaller virtual libraries enabling the user to create different combinations of RAID level devices and/or stand-alone tape libraries. RAID Level 1 For example, one part of a physical library can be configured to handle RAID Level 1, while still allowing the user to utilize the rest of the libraries resources. This technique is especially useful when using large libraries with more than two drives where tape mirroring could otherwise not be achieved. The virtual library module alleviates this problem. This feature can be useful to support mixed media libraries if virtual libraries are configured correctly using drives and media of the same type. The Virtual Library feature supports all ARCserveIT Tape Library Option supported libraries, with the exception of rare libraries that require tape drive alignment with the library arm. Setting Up Virtual Libraries The Virtual Library Configuration Utility The Virtual Library configuration utility is used to set up all virtual libraries. It enables you to define virtual libraries and their parameters including, the number of slots and drives required for the library. At minimum, a virtual library must have at least one slot and one drive associated with it. Note: Since the Virtual Library feature works on existing configured libraries, you must install the Tape Library Option and configure your physical libraries prior to configuring virtual libraries. Creating a Virtual Library You can create a virtual library by following the steps below: 1. Select Device Configuration from the ARCserveIT for Windows NT/2000 menu. This selection can be accessed via the Windows NT/2000 Start menu under "Programs". The Welcome screen is displayed. 2. Click Continue. 3. Select Virtual Library and click Continue. 4. From the Available Library window, select the library to be configured into a virtual library and click New. The characteristics associated with the parent physical library will be displayed. Within the detail field Information associated with the adapter card, SCSI Bus, SCSI ID and LUN are displayed. In addition, the 'Available slots for this library' field will display the total slots available for this virtual library. 5. From the library tree that is displayed, select the drive(s) to be associated with the newly created virtual library. Note: Drives can be assigned to a virtual library in any order, although drives can not be shared between virtual libraries. In addition, each virtual library must have at least one drive and one slot assigned to it. 6. Select the number of slots to be assigned to this virtual library. Note: Slots assigned to a particular virtual library will be sequential and can not be shared with other virtual libraries. 7. Click OK. The newly created virtual library is displayed in the Virtual Libraries window. If a particular library still has drives unassigned after this step, the available resources will be displayed in the 'Available Library' window. Note: In the event that the newly created virtual library's parameters have been set incorrectly, you can select to delete it, then create a new virtual library with the correct parameters. To accomplish this task, highlight the virtual library, then click the Delete button. Once this is done, the drives and slots associated with that virtual library will become available again for selection. 8. Configure the remaining drives and slots associated with the physical library into virtual libraries. Note: You must configure the entire physical library you are working with into virtual libraries. All drives and slots for a selected physical library must be used. In addition, you must complete the configuration of a selected physical library prior to attempting to configure a different library. 9. Once the physical library has been completely configured into virtual libraries, click Finish. The newly created virtual library is displayed in the Virtual Libraries window, while the (starting and ending) slots assigned for the highlighted library are displayed in the Detail field. Sharing Cleaning Tapes If the physical library has a cleaning tape slot configured, all virtual libraries will share the same cleaning media. The cleaning media should be assigned to the last slot of the physical library. Once this is accomplished, all virtual libraries created will display the cleaning media as the last slot. Hardware Configuration Changes If your hardware configuration changes, you must reconfigure virtual libraries for ARCserveIT to work properly. If you require disconnecting a library that is configured into virtual libraries, it is recommended that you delete the virtual libraries prior to disconnecting. Working With the ARCserveIT RAID Option To properly configure ARCserveIT for use with the RAID Option, you must configure the required options in the proper sequence. The correct sequence is shown below: 1. Configure your physical libraries using the Tape Library Option. 2. Configure your physical libraries into virtual libraries using the Virtual Library module. 3. Install and configure the ARCserveIT RAID Option. If you require to change the RAID configuration with virtual libraries, you must first delete all the RAID configuration, delete the virtual library configration and recreate these configrations again. Working With ARCserveIT Device Management All device management functions associated with physical libraries and the Tape Library Option (such as Format, Erase, Retention, Inventory, Mount and Dismount, and off-line slots) are provided for each virtual library that is created. In general, all ARCserveIT device management functions are identical for both physical and virtual libraries.