Managing growing data volumes efficiently requires reliable backup solutions, and tape libraries remain a cost-effective choice for long-term storage.
Save up to 80% on Dell PowerVault LTO-8 and LTO-9!
Dell EMC’s lineup includes models like the PowerVault TL1000, TL2000, TL4000, ML3, and ML3E, each designed to address specific capacity, scalability, and performance needs.
What is a Dell EMC PowerVault Tape Library?
A Dell EMC tape library is an automated storage system that uses magnetic tape cartridges for data backup and archiving. These libraries are compatible with Linear Tape-Open (LTO) technology, ensuring high capacity, reliability, and long-term storage.
Key Features:
High Capacity: Scalable up to petabytes of storage in some models.
Automation: Advanced robotics for efficient tape handling.
Encryption: AES-256 encryption for compliance with stringent data protection standards.
Longevity: LTO tapes can retain data for up to 30 years under proper conditions.
Dell EMC Tape Library PowerVault Models Overview
Model | PowerVault TL1000 | PowerVault TL2000 | PowerVault TL4000 | PowerVault ML3 | PowerVault ML3E |
Form Factor | 1U | 2U | 4U | 3U | 3U Expansion |
Slots | 9 | 24 | 48 | 40 | 40 (per unit) |
Drives | 1 HH | 2 HH / 1 FH | 4 HH / 2 FH | 3 HH / 2 FH | Uses ML3's drives |
Native Capacity | Up to 108 TB | Up to 288 TB | Up to 576 TB | Up to 480 TB | Mirrors ML3 |
Compressed Capacity | Up to 270 TB | Up to 720 TB | Up to 1.44 PB | Up to 1.2 PB | Mirrors ML3 |
Interface | 6 Gb/s SAS | 6 Gb/s SAS, 8 Gb/s FC | 6 Gb/s SAS, 8 Gb/s FC | 6 Gb/s SAS, 8 Gb/s FC | Uses ML3's interface |
Expandable | No | No | No | Yes (ML3E) | Yes |
Detailed Overview of Dell EMC PowerVault Tape Library Models with Product Numbers
Dell EMC PowerVault TL1000 (PN: PVTL100001)
The TL1000 is an entry-level tape library designed for small businesses and branch offices.
Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable.
Slots: 9, supporting LTO-6, LTO-7, or LTO-8 tapes.
Drives: Single half-height (HH) drive.
Capacity:
Native: Up to 108 TB (LTO-8).
Compressed: Up to 270 TB.
Interface: 6 Gb/s SAS.
Use Case: Ideal for businesses with minimal data volumes needing affordable automated backups.
Dell EMC PowerVault TL2000 (PN: HGF71)
The TL2000 provides mid-range backup capabilities, perfect for growing businesses.
Form Factor: 2U rack-mountable.
Slots: 24, arranged in two removable 12-cartridge magazines.
Drives: Supports up to 2 HH or 1 FH drive.
Capacity:
Native: 288 TB (LTO-9).
Compressed: 720 TB.
Interface: 6 Gb/s SAS or 8 Gb/s Fibre Channel (FC).
Use Case: For businesses requiring moderate capacity and reliable automation.
Dell EMC PowerVault TL4000 (PN: TY339)
The TL4000 is tailored for enterprise environments needing high-capacity storage.
Form Factor: 4U rack-mountable.
Slots: 48, with four removable 12-cartridge magazines.
Drives: Supports up to 4 HH or 2 FH drives.
Capacity:
Native: 576 TB (LTO-9).
Compressed: 1.44 PB.
Interface: 6 Gb/s SAS or 8 Gb/s FC.
Use Case: Enterprise-grade backups and archiving in data-intensive environments.
Dell EMC PowerVault ML3 (PN: 210-AVOY / 210-BKZL)
The ML3 is a scalable 3U tape library suitable for growing organizations.
Form Factor: 3U rack-mountable.
Slots: 40, supporting LTO-6 to LTO-9 tapes.
Drives: Up to 3 HH or 2 FH drives.
Capacity:
Native: 480 TB.
Compressed: 1.2 PB.
Interface: 6 Gb/s SAS or 8 Gb/s FC.
Expandable: Yes, with up to six ML3E expansion modules.
Dell EMC PowerVault ML3E (PN: 210-BKZL)
The ML3E expansion module enhances the ML3’s storage capabilities without adding additional drives.
Form Factor: 3U rack-mountable (expansion).
Slots: 40 per module (up to six can be added to an ML3).
Capacity: Mirrors ML3’s native and compressed capacities.
Use Case: Incremental scaling for organizations needing additional slots without drive upgrades.
Understanding LTO Compatibility - Dell EMC PowerVault Tape Library
Dell EMC tape libraries are compatible with the following LTO generations:
LTO-6
Capacity: Native 2.5 TB, compressed 6.25 TB.
Compatibility: Backward-compatible for reading LTO-4 and LTO-5 tapes, and writing to LTO-5 tapes.
Part Numbers:
Half-Height (HH):
SAS: LTO-6 Half-Height SAS Tape Drive - TKC16
FC: LTO-6 Half-Height Fibre Channel Tape Drive - J9P18
Full-Height (FH):
SAS: LTO-6 Full-Height SAS Tape Drive - 04GPJV
FC: LTO-6 Full-Height Fibre Channel Tape Drive - 7P02M
LTO-7
Capacity: Native 6 TB, compressed 15 TB.
Compatibility: Backward-compatible for reading LTO-5 and LTO-6 tapes, and writing to LTO-6 tapes.
Part Numbers:
Half-Height (HH):
SAS: LTO-7 Half-Height SAS Tape Drive - 04M2FN
FC: LTO-7 Half-Height Fibre Channel Tape Drive - 1V377
Full-Height (FH):
SAS: LTO-7 Full-Height SAS Tape Drive - 0PYJYC
FC: LTO-7 Full-Height Fibre Channel Tape Drive - 3YDX6
LTO-8
Capacity: Native 12 TB, compressed 30 TB.
Compatibility: Backward-compatible for reading LTO-6 and LTO-7 tapes, and writing to LTO-7 tapes.
Part Numbers:
Half-Height (HH):
SAS: LTO-8 Half-Height SAS Tape Drive - D9K5V
FC: LTO-8 Half-Height Fibre Channel Tape Drive - RF9XF
Full-Height (FH):
SAS: LTO-8 Full-Height SAS Tape Drive - not available
FC: LTO-8 Full-Height Fibre Channel Tape Drive - 00VJ952
LTO-9
Capacity: Native 18 TB, compressed 45 TB.
Compatibility: Backward-compatible for reading LTO-7 and LTO-8 tapes, and writing to LTO-8 tapes.
Part Numbers:
Half-Height (HH):
SAS: LTO-9 Half-Height SAS Tape Drive - 0CY63X
FC: LTO-9 Half-Height Fibre Channel Tape Drive - 0MHX13
Full-Height (FH):
SAS: LTO-9 Full-Height SAS Tape Drive - not available
FC: LTO-9 Full-Height Fibre Channel Tape Drive - not available
Each generation is backward-compatible with the previous two generations for reading and one generation for writing, ensuring flexibility and future-proofing.
Why Choose Dell EMC PowerVault Tape Libraries - Recommendations
Scalable Storage: Models like the ML3 + ML3E provide incremental scaling up to 280 slots.
Enterprise-Grade Features: High-capacity models like the TL4000 are ideal for data centers.
Long-Term Reliability: Tape storage is unmatched in durability and cost-efficiency for archival data.
Secure Data Management: AES-256 encryption protects sensitive information.
Compatibility: Seamless integration with SAS or FC environments and LTO media flexibility.
Quick Recommendations:
TL1000: Small offices with modest backup needs.
TL2000: Mid-sized businesses requiring more capacity.
TL4000: Enterprises with large-scale archiving requirements.
ML3 + ML3E: Growing organizations needing modular scalability.
Save up to 80% on Dell PowerVault LTO-8 and LTO-9!
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