QUT Deploys Managed Tape Solution From XENON

CHALLENGE

Facing unprecedented growth of data that must be kept indefinitely, QUT had a pressing need to cost-effectively increase data storage capacity in support of its high-performance computing platform. With multiple connected technologies to manage across two separate geographic locations, QUT desired a common interface for all its storage equipment. QUT’s existing tape archive was the only part of the research storage system that still required Fibre Channel over the WAN or over the links back to its two on-campus data centres.

SOLUTION

When looking for a solution to support a central and secure data repository for the long term, QUT turned to Spectra and XENON to help engineer, support, and monitor the solution that leveraged the economies of scale available in on-premises LTO tape libraries. QUT desired technology that could be quickly and easily upgraded to new tape drive generations in the future. The new solution needed to not only integrate with their archive and ensure researchers’ findings are accessible at any time but also enables QUT’s largest data repository to leverage the same infrastructure as the rest of their data centre.

Researchers at QUT generate applications addressing interdisciplinary problems in a number of fields, including health, law, business, the economy, society, engineering, and the environment. QUT must ensure the secure storage and management of data based on the varying requirements of different fields — upholding the highest standards of integrity and allowing access and reference to these data where possible to facilitate a transdisciplinary approach to research.

SOLUTION INFORMATION

QUT deployed two three-frame Spectra® TFinity® ExaScale Tape Libraries with LTO-9 tape drives and media for QUT. Each tape library can store around 64PB of data native capacity 3550 x 18TB, or nearly 98PB compressed (average of 27.8TB per carts and 3550 slots available). The TFinity high-density architecture makes it the world’s highest capacity, most scalable tape library. Each library can grow to over an exabyte of data to support QUT’s needs.

The libraries are installed in two separate geographic campuses in Brisbane, where each library is 40 to 50 km from the primary data mover. The solution provides QUT with Ethernet connectivity, making tape connectivity between the libraries and their servers easier. It utilises a RoCE v2 compatible, dual 40GbE interface that is locally switched to multiple SAS-connected LTO drives.

Ethernet connectivity to the new archive allows QUT to leverage all of the same infrastructure and networking capabilities as the rest of the equipment in their data centre, lowering data centre cost. It also enhances network performance and efficiency by enabling shared and distributed workflows over Ethernet while removing the need for Fibre Channel equipment and expertise.

Finally, when using Spectra Certified Media, the tape libraries’ management software provides extensive monitoring features, proactively reporting on the health of data, tape drives, and media to identify potential issues before they affect ongoing library operations. This ensures that data stored over any length of time can be retrieved as needed.

The system also allows QUT to employ a tape air gap –an electronically disconnected copy of data that prevents cybercrime from attacking data. By storing two copies of their archive data on tapes located in separate tape libraries many kilometres apart, QUT also protects data against localised natural disasters or single facility failure.