Server includes FICON connectivity.
Press Release Summary:
TotalStorage Virtual Tape Frame 3494 Model CX1 integrates Virtual Tape Controller features with ESCON or FICON channel attachment for IBM TotalStorage Peer-to-Peer Virtual Tape Server 3494. It provides cascading and 2 Gbps switch support for attachment flexibility. Dual Path Concentrator assures continual communications availability between VTS and Library. VTCs can attach VTS 3494 Model B18 to host system ESCON channels, and VTS 3494 Models B10 or B20 to host system ESCON or FICON channels.
Original Press Release:
IBM TotalStorage PtP VTS Includes FICON Connectivity for Increased Performance and Distance
At a glance
The IBM TotalStorage Virtual Tape Frame 3494 Model CX1 integrates new Virtual Tape Controller (VTC) features with ESCON or FICON channel attachment for the IBM TotalStorage Peer-to-Peer Virtual Tape Server 3494 (PtP VTS). The new PtP VTS configurations provide:
o FICON attachment for increased performance and distance, or ESCON attachment for current environments
o Cascading and 2-Gbps switch support for greater attachment flexibility
o Dual Path Concentrator to improve availability
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or the Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: YE001).
Overview
The increased performance, flexibility, and distance capability of FIbre CONnection (FICON(TM)) channel attachment is now available to the IBM TotalStorage(TM) Peer-to-Peer Virtual Tape Server 3494 (PtP VTS). The IBM TotalStorage Virtual Tape Frame 3494 Model CX1 integrates new Virtual Tape Controller (VTC) features with ESCON® or FICON attachments. The VTCs can attach the IBM TotalStorage Virtual Tape Server (VTS) 3494 Model B18 to host system ESCON channels, and the VTS 3494 Models B10 or B20 to host system ESCON or FICON channels.
FICON PtP can provide aggregate peak data rates more than twice that of current ESCON PtP, resulting in significantly shorter job times. Furthermore, a single FICON VTC has a data bandwidth of up to six times that of an ESCON VTC, enabling the FICON VTC to better handle periodic VTC workload imbalances.
The new VTC features replace the current IBM TotalStorage Virtual Tape Controller 3494 Model AX0. Installed 3494 Model CX0 Frames can be upgraded to a Model CX1 allowing for asset transfer of a maximum of two Model AX0 controllers.
Additional enhancements to the FICON VTS and PtP VTS configurations of the Models B10 and B20 include support for INRANGE and McDATA cascaded and 2-Gbps switches. A new Dual Path Concentrator with redundant power supplies is also available on the IBM TotalStorage Enterprise Automated Tape Library 3494 Model L12. The Dual Path Concentrator assures continual communications availability between the VTS and the Library.
Installed VTS PtP configurations can be upgraded to incorporate these enhancements next year. Customers with current B10, B18, and B20 configurations can begin planning for FICON PtP enablement benefits.
Key prerequisites
Appropriate levels of Data Facility Storage Management Subsystem (DFSMS) and z/OS® or OS/390® host system software are required on attaching IBM zSeries®, ES/3090(TM), ES/9000®, or S/390® systems.
Planned availability dates
o October 17, 2003 - For new plant shipments and MES feature numbers 5245 and 5246
o February 27, 2004 - For other MES features, field upgrades, and the field installation of VTS feature number 3000 with 4010
Description
The IBM TotalStorage Virtual Tape Frame 3494 Model CX1 is one of the components of the IBM TotalStorage Peer-to-Peer Virtual Tape Server (PtP VTS). A PtP VTS uses robust distributed servers, Virtual Tape Controllers (VTCs) housed in the Virtual Tape Frame Model CX1, to interconnect two VTSs (Model B10, B18, or B20) into a single PtP VTS system for FICON or ESCON attachment to a host system. The VTS Models B10 and B20 can connect to ESCON or FICON channels, but the VTS Model B18 can only connect to ESCON channels. The Model CX1 provides the housing and power for two or four VTC features that interconnect two VTSs. There are two power control compartments, each with its own power cord to allow connection to two power sources.
