QuickSpecs

customers may find it difficult to obtain Parallel SCSI host bus adapters for the PCI-Express bus.
Increased flexibility – SAS has the ability to connect multiple initiators, allowing the tape drive to
be shared between several servers.
Investment protection – this new generation interface is supported by a robust multi-vendor
roadmap and already boasts a clear future out to 12GB/s.
Installing SAS tape drives
HP StorageWorks SAS tape drives are available as internal and external models. Both models are
supplied with a special split cable that allows you to connect to an internal port (if available) on the
embedded SAS controller inside the server. While connection via the split cable provides the most
cost-effective way of connecting the tape drive to an HP ProLiant server, this will require a clear
understanding of your server's current SAS configuration before installing.
For the most up-to-date information about recommended SAS HBAs and supported cabling
configurations with your make and model of server, always refer to http://www.hp.com/go/connect .
A full installation guide is included with the product.
Native USB
The USB (Universal Systems Bus) interface was conceived out of a need to simplify computer
peripheral device connection. It has been so successful that the majority of computer systems and
servers shipped today offer multiple native USB 2.0 ports.
HP is the first company to develop a native USB DDS/DAT tape drive. Where other "USB tape
drives" rely on a USB converter, HP's USB interface is fully integrated with the drive and uses the
SCSI command set within the USB payload. The benefit of this implementation is that it gives the
drive full SCSI functionality and the flexibility of USB without the additional cost of a converter.
By offering native USB 2.0 DAT drives, HP aims to provide customers with a number of benefits:
Greater usability
Plug-and-play connectivity - the system automatically detects and configures the tape drive.
The DAT drive is installed and ready to backup in less than 60 seconds.
Microsoft fully supports USB devices natively in their operating systems providing robust,
secure configuration and installation wizards.
Cables are easily identifiable, easy to attach without the need for thumb-screw and robust
enough to ensure reliable retention.
Resource abundance
Native USB ports are universally available in systems and servers
Multiple ports ensure that port resources are widely available, reducing the conflict between
devices over scarce connectors.
Port expansion is easy, USB hubs can be installed to add additional ports supporting up to
127 devices on a system
Low cost, reliable connectivity
By providing native USB DDS/DAT drives there is no need for customers to purchase
additional host-bus adapters
HP's USB 2.0 implementation benefits from the built-in reliability and failure recovery
inherent in the underlying SCSI protocol
USB 2.0 has multiple levels of physical error detection and recovery which ensure reliability
on a par with SCSI and Fibre-channel interfaces.
USB 2.0 compliance certification provides thorough, ongoing reliability and quality control. A
well implemented USB network should use only USB 2.0 compliant components, including
USB 2.0 certified cables.
Sustainable performance
In HP tests it has been shown that USB 2.0 can sustain the performance of an HP
DDS/DAT drive at around 30MB/sec, a bandwidth that would sustain the HP DAT 72 drive
QuickSpecs
HP StorageWorks DAT Drives
Product Highlights
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