Virtual Tape Overview
ViTL is the virtual tape library (VTL) solution designed specifically for IBM Power Systems. Simplify your backup and recovery operations by saving backups to your hard drive, NAS, SAN, deduplication appliance, or the cloud—no more physical tape required. ViTL reduces storage costs with its deduplication feature and integrates seamlessly via Fibre Channel or SAS with iSeries, AS/400, System i, Linux, or AIX systems.
Whether you’re exploring options, budgeting for upgrades, or ready to transform your backup process, get a no-obligation customized quote today and see how ViTL can help.
ViTL: Powerhouse Backup and Recovery for IBM i
- Fully compatible with BRMS, Robot Save, and IBM backup commands.
- Virtual tapes emulate tape media for your iSeries or other hosts.
- Functions as an IBM TS3200 (3573-L4U) tape library with additional cartridges.
- Offers lower costs than other VTLs with more cartridges and drives.
- Includes AES-256 encryption and compression at no extra cost.
- Supports D-mode IPL for seamless operations.
- Supports up to 64 connections per physical port with NPIV.
- Optional deduplication reduces overall IT expenses.
- Assign multiple virtual tape drives to one or more virtual libraries.
- Scalable with options for additional drives and slots without extra hardware.
- No size limit for virtual tape files beyond available disk space.
- Up to 16,000 virtual tape storage slots for ultimate scalability.
- Quickly integrates with deduplication appliances like ExaGrid, Cohesity, Rubrik, IBM Storage Defender and more.
- Backup data can be compressed, encrypted, and copied to the cloud (Amazon S3, MS Azure, etc.).
Frustrated with the cost of your current VTL or backup solution?
Take a closer look at LaserVault ViTL to see how it can simplify your operations and save you money.
KEY NEW BENEFITS
Multi-Path Tape Library Support
• Create distinct paths (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) within a single library
• Align tape groups with unique retention policies for better organization
• Ideal for deduplication appliances like Cohesity and Rubrik
Smarter Retention & Storage Efficiency
• Prevent long-term tapes from extending short-term retention
• Optimize storage usage and reduce unnecessary data retention
Improved Tape Creation & Management
• Use SET PATH to define path before tape creation
• Enhanced export behavior with “exclude from inventory” option
Automated Tape Migration Between Paths
• New migrate action moves tapes between paths with filters
• Enables tiered storage workflows (SSD to dedupe, NAS, or cloud)
• Supports Azure, NAS/SAN, and other file systems
Seamless Storage Expansion
• Add disk volumes as new paths—no need for RAID rebuilds
• Scale without downtime or data rebalancing
Faster, More Efficient Tape Replication
• Only replicates and updates the targeted tape
• Avoids full inventory rebuilds—faster syncs across systems
Remotely Manage Your IBM i Backup and Recovery
Address IT challenges without being onsite.
- Eliminate the need for on-site server access.
- Streamline backup operations from anywhere.
- Back up IBM Power Systems remotely while saving backups locally or in the cloud.
- Reduce storage needs and network traffic with BEdupe deduplication.
- Enable unattended, automated backups with remote replication.
- Get automated email notifications for completed replication and retention jobs.
- Quick and easy installation on most existing systems.
Success Stories
ABC Financial Switches to LaserVault ViTL and Cohesity for IBM i Backups
“We needed Enterprise systems and chose Cohesity to replace DataDomain, and LaserVault ViTL to replace our VTL. It was a good fit for our needs.”
“A 12 out of 10!” Says Bank of Utah On Using LaserVault ViTL Backup Solution
“ViTL continues to save us time each day in our operations. Plus, we can certify to examiners that the backup data is offsite via a scheduled process.”
IBM i Backups Become Faster And Easier For Cash-Wa Distributing Using LaserVault ViTL
“Our backups are faster and easier than when we were using tape, and ViTL allows us to write virtual backups to our network drives and cloud storage.”
Step-up Backup and Recovery Operations
Achieve a new level of efficiency and security:
- Eliminate manual tape dependency while enhancing data protection.
- Ensure encrypted, offsite backup data is available immediately after completion.
- Enjoy consistent, complete backups without leaving your desk.
- Automate manual processes to save time and improve IT efficiency.
- Accelerate operations with multi-thread backup and restore features.
- Maximize storage capacity and minimize costs with deduplication.
- Add additional layers of protection with automated replication.
ViTL virtual tape outperforms LTO Tape and provides for faster backup and recovery for your IBM Power Systems.
Safe and Secure
Rely on ViTL for robust data protection:
- Quickly create users and assign passwords.
- Manage groups and members efficiently.
- Secure access with administrator privileges.
- Benefit from a reliable solution with an intuitive web interface.
- Protect against ransomware with enhanced data protection and virtual air-gap when used in conjunction with physical tape.
ViTL is available either as a hardware appliance or as software that IBM i customers can install on their own VM.
ViTL Requirements
To implement ViTL, you’ll need:
- IBM Power Systems (iSeries, AS/400, System i, Linux, AIX).
- IBM i V5R4 or later.
- Fibre Channel or SAS connection.
- A complete solution with hardware, software, and a Windows server appliance connected via Fibre Channel or SAS.
- Alternatively, ViTL is available as software-only for your hardware or VM.
- Remote installation is recommended; on-site options are also available.
LaserVault ViTL is available for purchase directly from us or through our trusted reseller partners, including Converge Technology Solutions, SPS VAR, ServIT.
Find a reseller near you: US Resellers / International Resellers
Frequently Asked Questions
ViTL is a Windows rackmount appliance or VM that connects to IBM Power System via Fibre Channel or SAS. ViTL emulates an LTO tape drive to your IBM i (AS/400, iSeries, System i, AIX or Linux) host. You can backup to local storage at speeds up to 800 MB/second without changing your current backup procedures.
We recommend 16Gb or higher for best performance.
ViTL connects through Fibre Channel or SAS to the IBM i or other host system.
Yes, ViTL has optional Backup-Enhanced Deduplication, or BEdupe, that helps you save on storage costs, shorten recovery times, and reduce network traffic.
Yes, you can use ViTL to backup to IBM Cloud.
V5R4 forward.
