Are issues with L9 worth a ticket?

[KBfinder506]

Hi all:

We are currently using a brand new HPE StoreEver MSL3040 with four LTO9 drives (media is also LTO9). But I'm wondering if some issues worth a ticket to speed up enhance things.

For anybody, let me explain that all LTO9 tapes need an initialize process (some manufactures call it calibration others have other names) but the main point here is that NBU don't detect that cartridge without this process. Thus, when the software talks with the library; if you are lucky the library detects that tape must be initialized and proceed with the initialization thing, but there is no feedback on the NBU about it.  According HPE the sfw must be aware and from my POV at least I should have a warning with the option to abort the backup or the sfw must put on hold the backup in order to sense when the initialization process end.

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=c03788698en_us&docLocale=en_US&page=GUID-B75CC...

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=c03788698en_us&page=GUID-EA30006A-2361-4CBC-AD...

AFAIK, the netbackup documentation doesn't mention anything about LTO9 initialization or how NBU deal with that media; and if you make a backup with tapes brand new the backup fails. Without mention, the lack of LTO9 initialization.

Another issue if you make a batch (the WebUI of the HPE library permits) to initialize a bunch of new tapes using just two drives; letting two drives to workout backups. But the NBU detects all drives on AVR control (instead TLD), then isn't possible to use the library at all.

As you may guest, when LTO9 is finally initialized, all works fine... that's why I'm asking your opinion about if opening tickets around these are worth it o just have to complain and wait the next version of NBU tackles the LTO9 in better way.

So guy tell me your thougths.

PD: Wish to all a happy and healthy new year 2024!!!

[davidmoline · Accepted solution]

Hi @KBfinder506 

No not worth a ticket - read the HCL which specifically calls out the issue you have discovered with LTO9 media. You are right, the media must be initialised prior to use.

https://download.veritas.com/resources/content/live/OSVC/100046000/100046445/en_US/nbu_90_hcl.html?_...

Cheers
David

[StefanosM · Accepted solution]

@davidmoline 
Reading this post, I was checking the HCL for versions 9 and 10 .
Is the HCL for netbackup 10.x correct?
Netbackup for Windows 2022 supports only LTO9 drives?
Because I can not find anything at hardware vendor sites. At least Dell support LTO9 to other windows versions
https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/el-gr/powervault-114x/pv_tape_comp_matrix/operating-system-comp...

[KBfinder506]

Thanks to both @StefanosM and @davidmoline :

Today when the LTO9 (the task really finished long before, but I was off duty this Monday) finished and started up all NBU process, all drives were on TLD control. So my guess about LTO9 initialization and AVR control seems to be correct. And if that, is a shame since you totally lost control of the backups while just partially are using the library (I will promise more test but have initialized all media so can't take more tests) to initialize. Of course, you can partition it; but isn't a way to take without thinking all the consequences.

They like too much ms windows, so the primary server is a windows 2022 std edition. I really prefer linux/unix over windows for nbu.

I was expecting better communication between the NBU software and the LTO9 library; at least more feedback to end user...

Thanks to all.