HPE T950V 6 Bay Drive Assembly — Expansion Library for 24 LTO Drives and 890 Slots

The HPE T950V Tape Library delivers enterprise‑class backup, disaster recovery, and archive capabilities in a scalable, reliable storage solution. Built for data‑centric environments that demand fast access to long‑term data, the T950V combines field‑proven reliability with future‑proof storage innovation. This 6‑bay drive assembly is the foundation for a powerful expansion library capable of growing to 24 LTO drives and an impressive 890 cartridge slots, delivering outstanding capacity, performance, and mission‑critical data protection. Whether your data footprint is expanding piece by piece or rapidly scaling to meet evolving compliance needs, the HPE T950V is designed to keep your backups, archives, and DR workflows efficient, resilient, and cost‑effective.

• Scalable capacity and future‑proofing — Start with a compact 6‑drive bay framework and scale to a full 24 LTO drives with up to 890 cartridge slots. This modular approach lets you grow your tape library as data volumes rise, reducing the need for disruptive migrations and forklift upgrades while preserving investment in existing media and workflows.
• Enterprise‑grade library management — The T950V integrates robust robotic media handling, automated cartridge management, and comprehensive diagnostics. Advanced library management features streamline tape mounting, media tracking, recovery operations, and routine maintenance, helping IT teams maximize uptime and simplify governance.
• Optimized backup, recovery, and archive — Engineered for high‑throughput data protection, the T950V supports rapid tape streaming for backups, fast DR restorations, and long‑term archiving. Its scalable design is well suited for broad workloads, including virtualization, databases, file servers, and archival repositories, keeping data protected while meeting tight recovery windows.
• Flexible deployment and easy administration — The library is designed for data centers, remote sites, and hybrid environments, with centralized management capabilities that simplify administration across multiple libraries. Built‑in barcode reading and intuitive interfaces help operators locate media quickly, while remote monitoring supports proactive maintenance and efficient support workflows.
• Efficient operations and cost‑of‑ownership advantages — The modular architecture supports straightforward field upgrades and serviceability, helping reduce downtime and maintenance costs. Energy‑efficient design and streamlined components contribute to lower total cost of ownership over the library’s lifecycle, making the T950V a prudent choice for enterprises seeking durable, scalable storage.

Technical Details of HPE T950V 6 Bay Drive Assembly Max 24 LTO Drives 890 Slots Expansion Library

• Model family: HPE StoreEver Tape Library family, designed for enterprise data protection and long‑term retention.
• Base drive bays: 6, with expansion paths to support up to 24 LTO drives for scalable throughput and capacity.
• Cartridge slots: Up to 890 media slots, enabling extensive on‑site retention and archival capabilities.
• Expansion and growth: Modular architecture allows additional frames and frames’ interconnection to accommodate growing backup and archival workloads.
• Media support: Compatible with LTO Ultrium media for high capacity, reliability, and compatibility with standard backup software ecosystems.
• Library management: Integrated management with automated media handling, barcode support, and remote monitoring to simplify operations and improve accuracy.
• Deployment footprint: Rack‑mountable design suitable for data centers and enterprise edge deployments, balancing footprint and capacity needs.

how to install HPE T950V 6 Bay Drive Assembly Max 24 LTO Drives 890 Slots Expansion Library

To ensure a successful deployment, begin with a careful planning phase that aligns the T950V with your existing backup and archival workflows. Verify environmental conditions, such as adequate ventilation, stable power, and appropriate rack placement, to support long‑term reliability of a high‑duty cycle tape library. Next, install the 6‑bay base assembly or an expansion frame in a compatible rack, securing the unit and connecting it to the data center backbone. After physical installation, configure the library through the web‑based management interface or the vendor’s management console, setting up media pools, barcode conventions, and drive zoning if required by your backup software. Finally, load test tapes, initialize the library, perform a dry run of a backup, and verify media accessibility and restoration workflows. The T950V is designed to minimize downtime during expansion, with hot‑swap cartridges and modular components that simplify service and maintenance.

Step 1 – Prepare and unbox: Inspect the shipment and confirm all components are present. Verify serial numbers, firmware versions, and compatibility with your backup software.
Step 2 – Rack and power: Mount the library in a secure rack, connect power and data interfaces, and ensure proper grounding. Confirm there is adequate cooling to support sustained operation.
Step 3 – Install expansion frames: If expanding beyond the base 6 bays, install additional frames according to the included instructions and connect them to the base unit, maintaining proper cabling and airflow.
Step 4 – Configure: Access the library’s management interface, configure media pools, barcode formats, drive groups, and alerting preferences. Register with your backup server and create automated backup policies aligned with recovery objectives.
Step 5 – Validate: Load test tapes, run cataloging processes, and perform a simulated restore to ensure data integrity and accessibility. Schedule regular health checks and firmware updates to keep the library operating at peak performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum number of LTO drives the HPE T950V can support?

  A: The base 6‑bay assembly supports up to 24 LTO drives when fully expanded with compatible expansion frames, delivering substantial throughput for backup and archival workflows.

• Q: How many cartridges can the library hold?

  A: Up to 890 cartridges, enabling extensive on‑site retention and long‑term archival capabilities within a scalable storage solution.

• Q: Does the T950V include barcode reading?

  A: Yes. Built‑in barcode reading facilitates quick media identification and automated media management, improving accuracy and reducing manual handling.

• Q: Is the T950V compatible with common backup software?

  A: The library is designed to integrate with leading enterprise backup and recovery software, supporting typical media pools, schedules, and disaster‑recovery workflows across major operating systems.

• Q: What are the deployment environments for the T950V?

  A: It is suitable for data centers, hybrid cloud environments, and remote sites requiring reliable, scalable tape storage with centralized management and enhanced media control.

• Q: How do I expand the library over time?

  A: Expansion is achieved by adding compatible frames to increase drive capacity and cartridge slots, maintaining a modular, future‑proof design that minimizes disruption to ongoing operations.