The autoloader will function in one of 2 ways, either stacker or random
mode.  In sequential or stacker mode, after the first tape reaches the end
of tape, the tape is rewound, ejected and replaced by the second tape and
so on until the end of the last tape.  This is very useful for backups that
span multiple tapes, or if you want to load the magazine and take 9 backups
over several days.  You can also set circular on or off, which means that
when you get to the end of the last tape, the first tape gets loaded again
and you continue from there, infinitely.  You must also set the autoload on
or off.  This means the autoloader will load the next tape in the sequence,
on demand.

So, let's say your backup is less than 80GB, you could load 9 tapes in the
autoloader, set it in Stacker mode, with autoload on and schedule 9 nights
of backups.  Of course, if you need to do a restore, you will have to load
the appropriate tape manually and then reset the autoloader to point to the
proper one for the next night's backup.  If you turn on circular, you could
take backups forever and always have 9 days of backups, all automatically.
 This will work on your 3000 or any other platform.

The other mode is random mode.  This is where the autoloader is
intelligently controlled by software, which tells it which tape to load and
when to unload it.  Such a piece of software exists on many platforms, and
for the HP e3000, the only one that does this is (plug) Hiback.

Given that your autoloader is very small, I would say that Hiback is more
software than you need, unless you also have other systems that you would
like to backup to your e3000, such as NT or UNIX.  If this is a stand-alone
system, I would suggest you stick with stacker mode and use it in the
manner I described above or with some variation.  Otherwise feel free to
contact me.

One more thing, if you have the remote management card, do not forget to
hook it up to your LAN and configure it in the autoloader.  You can then
control the library via a browser.  It's neat.

Kind regards,

Denys. . .

Denys Beauchemin
HICOMP
(800) 323-8863  (281) 288-7438         Fax: (281) 288-7438
denys at hicomp.com                             www.hicomp.com


-----Original Message-----
From:   Zora Naron [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Thursday, September 06, 2001 2:40 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Autoloader 1/9 DLT 8000

I am in the process of purchasing a HP Surestore Autoloader 1/9 DLT 8000.
Can anybody tell me what makes the Autoloader change from one tape to the
next?  Will I need new software to go with this product?  Any information
will be helpful.

Thank You
Zora Naron
[log in to unmask]

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