Description
IBM TS3100 3573-X2U Tape Library with LTO-5 Fibre Channel drive, 1.5TB native capacity per cartridge, 140MB/s transfer rate, and automated tape handling.
Product Features
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Enterprise-grade rackmount tape library with integrated LTO-5 Fibre Channel drive.
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1.5TB native capacity per cartridge, expandable to 3TB with compression.
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High transfer speed up to 140 MB/s native (280 MB/s compressed).
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Robotic cartridge handling system for automated loading/unloading.
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Fibre Channel connectivity for seamless integration into SANs.
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LCD control panel provides easy setup, monitoring, and system management.
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Compact, reliable, and scalable for business backup and archiving needs.
General Product Information
The IBM TS3100 Tape Library Express (3573-X2U) is a cost-effective and highly reliable rackmount tape storage solution designed for enterprises needing secure long-term data protection. Equipped with one internal LTO-5 Fibre Channel tape drive, it provides a native capacity of 1.5TB per cartridge and up to 3.0TB with compression, delivering transfer speeds of up to 140 MB/s (280 MB/s compressed).
The TS3100 features an automated robotic cartridge handling system, reducing manual intervention while ensuring consistent and efficient backup operations. Its Fibre Channel interface integrates seamlessly with SAN infrastructures, making it suitable for medium to large-scale IT environments.
With its 2U rackmount design, front-panel LCD management, and support for automated workflows, the TS3100 Tape Library Express is ideal for organizations that need data archiving, compliance storage, or disaster recovery with minimal downtime and maximum reliability.
Technical Specifications Table
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | IBM |
| Model | TS3100 Tape Library Express |
| Part Number | 3573-X2U |
| Form Factor | Rackmount (2U) |
| Tape Drive Installed | 1 × LTO-5 Fibre Channel |
| Interface | Fibre Channel (FC) |
| Native Capacity | 1.5TB per cartridge |
| Compressed Capacity | 3.0TB per cartridge |
| Transfer Rate | 140 MB/s native, 280 MB/s compressed |
| Cartridge Handling | Automated robotic system |
| Controller | Library controller card included |
| Management | LCD front panel |
| Compatibility | Enterprise backup software (IBM Tivoli, Symantec NetBackup, Veeam, CommVault, etc.) |
Compatible Products
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IBM Tivoli Storage Manager
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Symantec NetBackup, Veeam, CommVault backup software
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IBM Power Systems, Dell PowerEdge, HP ProLiant servers
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SAN environments with Fibre Channel connectivity
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Operating systems: Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux, Ubuntu, AIX, Solaris
Ideal Use Cases
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Enterprise data backup and recovery
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Archival storage for compliance and regulatory requirements
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Disaster recovery strategies
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Secure offsite storage environments
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Hybrid storage deployments combining disk and tape
Comparison Angle
The IBM TS3100 with LTO-5 offers faster transfer speeds and greater capacity than earlier LTO-4 tape libraries, while maintaining backward compatibility with older cartridges. Compared to standalone tape drives, it provides robotic automation and centralized management, significantly reducing administrative overhead and improving reliability.
Cross-Sell / Upsell Suggestions
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IBM LTO-5 data cartridges for expansion
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IBM TS3200 Tape Library for higher scalability
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Fibre Channel HBA cards for server integration
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Rackmount PDUs and UPS systems for data center reliability
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Backup software licenses (Veeam, CommVault, Symantec NetBackup)