SLP's, VTL's and tape library's.. oh my

[epsilon22222]

Hey all,

Had a question regarding using SLP's to duplicate data from virtual tape drives to physical tape drives.

We have 12 physical tape drives and are looking at using a VTL to backup data directly from Netbackup media servers and then from there, have the VTL (DXI 8500 with path to tape) create a physical copy of the tape. 

What is the best way to accomplish this? Are SLP's the way to go here? I understand that the following will need to be done for SLP (correct me if I'm wrong):

1.) VTL will need to be storage unit

2.) Physical tape library will need to be storage unit ?

3.) SLP will create copy using VTL as source and physical as destination ?

Would the VTL be the storage unit for the physical tape library?

Currently, we have it set up to where our current Netapp VTL is the only device present in Netbackup.  The Netapp VTL automatically copies to physical tape once a job is finished (somewhat like SLP I suppose) but Netbackup is unaware of the actual physical copy and only thinks the virtual copy exists. 

As you can see, I am a bit confused about this setup and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Nicolai]

1: The DXI will be a storage unit. Go for the OpenStorage (OST) API integration (Storage Servers and Logical Storage Units). VTL is less flexible

2: Yes - as we know them

3:Once the SLP is configured you point to it from the policy. If you are using multi retentions you need to point each schedule to a separate SLP. You do that by check marking the "override storageuit" for each schedule in the policy configuration.

The learning cure of SLP is a little steep. I think you will find the "SLP best practices" good reading as well.

http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO73205

Q: Would the VTL be the storage unit for the physical tape library?

Non that I can think off. Take a look at 3 - I think that answers the question.

[Marianne · Accepted solution]

The Quantum Direct Copy to Tape is strangely enough configured as NDMP STU.

Please read chapter 5 of NetBackup for NDMP Administrator's Guide http://www.symantec.com/docs/DOC5164  

About NDMP DirectCopy

NDMP DirectCopy operates in the following environments:

■ A NetBackup media server that is connected to a VTL that has access to a

physical tape library. The steps for configuring NDMP DirectCopy are described

in this topic.

Also see NDMP DirectCopy notes and limitations on p.33.

Configuration also in this series of HOWTO docs:

http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO89213 
Configuring OpenStorage direct to tape

[NathanNieman]

We Use SLP to control or VTL and then it tells it write to tape "IBMTS3310"

Netbackup will have to see the VTL, and the tape  Libaray.

Setup the SLP policys

First policy would be to have the backup job got to the VTL.  

Then under that

Create a duplications to move to tape.

[Marianne]

A 'normal' SLP duplication will route the duplication data through the media server and not use the Quantum Dxi 'Direct Copy to Tape' capability.