• Magstar* 3590 attaches to selected systems: IBM AS/400*, RS/6000*, Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems, and other SCSI systems; Intel-based systems running Windows NT**; and IBM S/390* systems.
  
• Magstar 3590 features superior tape technology, providing up to a 100-fold improvement in data integrity over 3480 tape systems.
  
• With the Ultra SCSI interface, Magstar 3590 can achieve a maximum instantaneous data rate of 40 MB/sec.
  
• Magstar 3590 E models' uncompressed drive data rate of up to 14 MB/sec dramatically reduces backup and recovery times.
  
• Magstar 3590's 5 meters/sec high-speed search provides rapid access to data.
  
• Magstar 3590's 10-cartridge Automatic Tape Library (ATL) functions as a low-cost mini-library with random access to up to 600 GB of data (compressed).
  
• Magstar 3590 E model cartridges can contain up to 60 GB of data (compressed).
  
• Magstar 3590 tape subsystems enable drive sharing through two Ultra SCSI ports.
  
• Magstar 3590 helps protect existing storage investments.

Exceptional performance

Magstar 3590 has leading-edge streaming and start/stop performance. This is important since most applications operate in start/stop mode. Magstar 3590 provides a maximum uncompressed data transfer rate of up to 14 MB/sec. The maximum instantaneous data rate is 40 MB/sec on an Ultra SCSI interface.

High capacity

Magstar 3590 cartridges have a capacity of up to 20 GB (100 times more capacity than 3480 cartridges). Up to 60 GB can be stored by using the LZ1 compression technique.

Magstar 3590 metal particle tape media is housed in a cartridge with the same physical size as 3490 cartridges, enabling coexistence in an IBM Magstar 3494 Tape Library together with current media. The Magstar 3494 Tape Library with Magstar 3590 drives provides access to as much as 374 TB (compressed at 3:1).

Improved reliability and integrity

The Magstar 3590 tape drive is designed for up to a 100-fold increase in data integrity over the 3480. Improved Error Correction Code (ECC) and servo tracks written on tape help provide data integrity. Resident diagnostics monitor operations to detect potential problems and aid in fast resolution.

Magstar 3590 uses a bi-directional longitudinal serpentine recording techniqueand a fourth-generation magnetoresistive head that reads and writes 16 data tracks at a time.

Investment protection

Existing Magstar Model B11 and B1A Tape Drives (B Models) can be field-upgraded to the new E Models, which helps protect existing investments in Magstar 3590 tape drives. Media investments are also protected, because the new E Model drives can both read (128 track) and write (256 track) to existing cartridges. IBM will continue to offer Magstar 3590 B Models with the recently enhanced Ultra SCSI support along with the new E models.

Cost effectiveness

High-capacity media along with high-performance drives mean that less equipment and fewer cartridges and tape mounts are required. This translates into less floor space for tape cartridge storage, tape drives, and tape libraries. Maintenance costs are also lower than those for previous-generation 3480/3490 type drives.

A reusable storage asset, the Magstar 3590 protects existing investments and can be used as the foundation for a broad array of storage solutions. Magstar 3590 tape drives are a key component of the IBM Seascape* architecture, which enables flexible movement between storage solutions.

Ease of use

The Magstar 3590 Tape Subsystem incorporates a standard 10-slot ATL for high-capacity, stand-alone unattended operation. The ATL can be used in random access mode as a mini-library. Cartridges are loaded into and unloaded from the ATL in a convenient, portable 10-cartridge magazine.

Magstar 3590 also features an operator/service display showing device status, activities, error conditions, and messages.

Service

Magstar 3590 does not require scheduled preventive maintenance. IBM customer engineers use a built-in subsystem panel to perform service functions.

Magstar 3590 models

The Magstar 3590 is available in five models for SCSI and Ultra SCSI attachment:

• The Magstar 3590 Models B11 and E11 are rack-mounted and incorporate a 10-cartridge ATL for high-capacity unattended operation. The Models B11 and E11 can be modified to Models B1A or E1A.
• The Magstar 3590 Models B1A and E1A have no ATL and are designed to be incorporated into the Magstar 3494 tape library.
• The Magstar Model C12 frame with one to four Model B1A or E1A tape drives provides attachment to the StorageTek 4410 and 9310 ACS.

Storage management software

ADSTAR* Distributed Storage Manager (ADSM) is a client/server storage management product that uses the full capacity of the Magstar 3590 and supports the Magstar 3590's ATL in random access mode.

Year 2000

This product does not have date dependencies and is, therefore, Year 2000 ready when used in accordance with its associated documentation. It is capable of correctly processing, providing, and/or receiving date data within and between the 20th and 21st centuries, provided that all other products (for example, software, hardware, and firmware) used with the product properly exchange accurate date data with it.

2.  Depending on data content; with 3:1 LZ1 data compression

3. Depending on library model, since B1A and E1A reside in an IBM 3494 or in a C14 frame for the StorageTek 4410 or 9310 ACS

4.  Includes four B1A or E1A drives and associated cables