Sun Microsystems SL500 User Manual

System Requirements for Library Partitioning

144 SL500 User’s Guide • July 2008

Revision: KA • 96116

System Requirements for Library 

Partitioning

Starting with SL500 firmware version 1300 and SL Console version FRS_4.00, 

library partitioning upgrades must be installed through the SL500 licensing utility. 

Partitioning established on a library prior to version 1300 is retained permanently. See 

Chapter 4, “Licensing”

 for details. 

ACSLS does not support partitioning on the SL500 library. 

Enabling and Disabling Partitioning

In order for you to use partitions in a library, the partitioning feature must be enabled 

by your StorageTek CSE. Contact your StorageTek CSE for assistance. 

A library with partitioning enabled can be in either of the following states: 

■

Partitioned—The library has at least one user-defined partition with a valid partition 

ID. 

■

Non-partitioned—The library has no user-defined partitions. A non-partitioned 

library behaves in the same manner as a library that does not have partitioning 

enabled; that is all storage cells, drives, and CAPs are accessible to all hosts. 

To disable partitioning on a library, you must first delete all partitions. The library state 

will then change to “non-partitioned.” 

Partition Planning

The partitioning feature offers great flexibility in the use of your library. It also requires 

careful planning, a thorough knowledge of library wall and storage cell mapping, and 

expertise in configuring and administering host software applications. There must be 

clear communication among all parties involved, including system programmers and 

administrators, library operators, and your Sun service representative. 

Before creating partitions, you must plan the storage area that is needed for resident 

tape cartridges and anticipate the number of required free cells. You must understand 

the boundaries of each partition and the host ownership relationships. You must verify 

that all tape drives and cartridges have been moved to the proper locations, according 

to the planned host/storage cell and host/tape drive assignments.