HPE StoreEver MSL3040 Scalable Library Base Module

The HPE StoreEver MSL3040 Scalable Library Base Module is a purpose-built, future-ready tape library foundation designed to grow with your data needs while protecting your most valuable information. Engineered for scalable, cost-efficient archival and backup, this base module enables you to expand from a compact 40 cartridge slots to an impressive 640 slots within a single 19-inch rack. With this scalable architecture, you can incrementally add capacity and performance by attaching additional modules, eliminating the need to replace the library as data grows. The result is a conservative, predictable path to multi-petabyte and multi-petabyte-plus archival storage that aligns with long-term retention policies, compliance requirements, and evolving backup strategies. In today's data-centric environment, the MSL3040 base module offers a resilient, enterprise-grade solution that blends flexible expansion, efficient operation, and streamlined management for mid-market and enterprise customers alike.

• Unmatched scalability and ROI. The MSL3040 scales vertically from 40 to 640 cartridge slots, enabling you to start small and grow incrementally as data volumes rise. This modular scale-out approach minimizes up-front capital expenditure while preserving performance, allowing you to protect more data in the same 19-inch footprint. As you add modules, you can boost throughput and capacity in tandem, delivering a compelling total cost of ownership and faster return on investment. With a scalable architecture, organizations can align archival infrastructure with actual data growth and retention requirements, reducing the need for disruptive, large-scale overhauls.

• Flexible storage capacity to maximize retention policies. Store up to 28.8 PB in a single 19-inch rack when configured with appropriate media and expansion modules. This capacity is designed to meet the needs of regulated industries, legal holds, healthcare, financial services, and other data-intensive domains where long-term retention and rapid restoration are paramount. The base module supports diverse data lifecycle strategies, enabling organizations to tier data across primary, secondary, and offline archives while preserving fast access to critical information when required.

• Modular design for easy upgrades and maintenance. The Base Module is engineered for straightforward expansion—simply add additional modules to boost both capacity and performance. This modularity minimizes disruption, simplifies procurement, and reduces downtime since you’re not overhauling the entire library. The design also supports straightforward field upgrades, firmware management, and calibration workflows to keep the system operating at peak efficiency as media generations evolve and data retention requirements shift.

• Reliable operation with enterprise-grade hardware and manageability. Built to support mission-critical backups and archival tasks, the MSL3040 base module emphasizes reliability with robust robotics, redundant components where applicable, and enterprise management interfaces. It integrates with standard backup workflows and enterprise data protection software, enabling centralized control, monitoring, and policy-based automation. Operators benefit from predictable performance, streamlined maintenance, and clearer visibility into media health,Slot utilization, and library status across the entire scale-out configuration.

• Seamless integration with the HP StoreEver ecosystem and workflows. As part of the StoreEver family, this base module connects with complementary tape libraries, expansion options, and management tooling designed to optimize the data protection lifecycle. IT teams can leverage familiar automation, scheduling, and reporting mechanisms, ensuring smooth integration with existing backup software, data governance policies, and regulatory compliance initiatives. The result is a cohesive, scalable solution that respects established workflows while enabling future growth.

Technical Details of HPE StoreEver MSL3040 Scalable Library Base Module

• Cartridge slot range: Scales from 40 up to 640 cartridge slots in a single 19-inch rack, enabling substantial capacity growth as data volumes expand.

• Maximum capacity: Up to 28.8 PB in a single 19-inch rack when configured with compatible media and expansion modules, supporting long-term retention and offline archival needs.

• Form factor: 19-inch rack-mountable library base module designed for data center environments, with modular expansion capabilities to add more slots and improved performance.

• Expandability: Add additional modules to boost capacity and throughput without replacing the existing library. This scale-out approach supports growing data protection requirements and evolving media policies.

• Media compatibility and ecosystem: Part of the HPE StoreEver family, designed to work with a wide range of LTO media generations and compatible with standard backup software and enterprise data management tools for streamlined operation and compliance reporting.

• Manageability and reliability: Enterprise-grade management interfaces and tools for configuration, monitoring, and maintenance, with considerations for reliability, redundancy, and serviceability in mid-to-large deployments.

how to install HPE StoreEver MSL3040 Scalable Library Base Module

Installing the HPE StoreEver MSL3040 Scalable Library Base Module is a straightforward process when planned as part of a broader data protection strategy. Begin by assessing your data growth projections, current library configuration, and rack space to determine how many expansion modules you will require. Prepare a compliant, well-ventilated data center rack with proper grounding and cable management. Safety and proper handling are essential during any hardware installation to protect both personnel and equipment.

Next, position the base module in a suitable, accessible location within the rack and secure it according to rack mounting best practices. Connect the library to your management network and any required host interfaces as dictated by your environment. Ensure that power connections are stable and that redundant power or cooling provisions are in place if your deployment calls for them. Power up the unit and perform an initial health check to verify that hardware sensors, fans, and power supplies are functioning correctly.

With the base module powered, access the library’s management interface to perform a basic configuration. Set the library name, IP address, authentication method, and any security policies that align with your organization’s standards. Run an inventory and calibration routine to ensure cartridge magazines, robotics, and picker mechanisms are properly aligned. Schedule firmware updates if needed and confirm compatibility with your backup software and orchestration tools. When you are ready to scale, attach expansion modules in the recommended sequence, connect their inter-module interfaces, and propagate configuration across the chassis so that the system recognizes the full cartridge capacity and the expanded robotic system. Finally, test a controlled fill and retrieval operation to validate performance, error handling, and recovery procedures before moving to production workloads.

Throughout the deployment, document the configuration details, including the base module’s serial number, module IDs, location in the rack, and network settings. Establish a baseline operation profile—defining retention policies, tape rotation schemes (if applicable), and automation rules—to ensure efficient data protection workflows from day one. Regularly monitor the system for media health, slot utilization, and drive health indicators, and set up alerting to respond quickly to any anomalies. By following these steps, organizations can achieve a smooth, scalable, and reliable transition to a larger, more capable tape library that grows with their data center needs.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the capacity of the HPE StoreEver MSL3040 Scalable Library Base Module?

  A: The module is designed to scale from 40 to 640 cartridge slots and can store up to 28.8 PB in a single 19-inch rack when configured with compatible media and expansion modules. This makes it suitable for large-scale archival strategies and long-term retention requirements.

• Q: How does scalability work with this base module?

  A: Scalability is achieved by adding modular expansion units that attach to the base module. Each additional module increases the number of cartridge slots and can improve throughput. This scale-out approach supports growing data protection needs without replacing the entire library, reducing both downtime and capital expenditures.

• Q: What media and software are compatible with the MSL3040 base module?

  A: The base module is designed to work with a broad range of LTO media generations and integrates with common enterprise backup suites and data management tools. Compatibility with your existing StoreEver ecosystem and backup workflows is emphasized to simplify policy enforcement, reporting, and lifecycle management.

• Q: What deployment considerations should I plan for?

  A: Consider data growth forecasts, retention requirements, and the frequency of full vs. incremental backups. Ensure adequate rack space, cooling, and power redundancy. Plan for firmware and software updates, cabling, and secure network access for management interfaces. Finally, map out your media rotation policy and offline storage strategy to maximize archive integrity and restore efficiency.

• Q: Is professional installation or service included?

  A: Typical deployments benefit from professional services or guided setup from the vendor or authorized partners to ensure proper configuration, calibration, and integration with your backup infrastructure. Ongoing maintenance, warranty coverage, and support options are available to ensure reliability and rapid response to any issues.