Product Description
IBM 3573-8344 LTO-6 Ultrium Full High Fibre Channel Tape Drive for TS3100/TS3200
The IBM 3573-8344 is an internal full-high LTO Ultrium 6 tape drive sled with a native 8 Gbps Fibre Channel interface. Engineered as a replacement or upgrade module for the TS3100 (3573-L2U) and TS3200 (3573-L4U) tape libraries, it offers high-capacity, high-speed performance for automated backup, long-term archiving, and data protection using advanced LTO-6 technology.
Key Features
- Full-High (FH) form factor optimized for library sled installation.
- 8 Gbps Fibre Channel interface for enhanced connectivity and throughput within the library.
- Native 2.5 TB capacity per LTO-6 cartridge (up to 6.25 TB compressed at 2.5:1).
- Data transfer rate up to 160 MB/s native.
- Backward read/write compatibility with LTO-5 media; read compatibility with LTO-4.
- Supports hardware-based encryption and WORM media for data security and compliance.
- Integrated sled/caddy for easy insertion into compatible IBM tape library chassis.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Model / Feature Code | IBM 3573-8344 (FC 8344) |
| Generation | LTO Ultrium 6 (LTO-6) |
| Form Factor | Full Height (FH) sled/module |
| Interface | 8 Gbps Fibre Channel |
| Native Capacity | 2.5 TB per cartridge |
| Compressed Capacity | 6.25 TB per cartridge (2.5:1 typical) |
| Native Transfer Rate | Up to 160 MB/s |
| Compressed Transfer Rate | Up to 400 MB/s (2.5:1) |
| Media Compatibility | LTO-6 (write/read), LTO-5 (read/write), LTO-4 (read) |
| Installation | Internal sled for TS3100/TS3200 libraries |
This drive module delivers significantly higher capacity and speed compared to earlier LTO generations, enabling more efficient backup windows and greater storage density in automated library environments. The 8 Gbps Fibre Channel interface ensures robust performance in Fibre Channel-attached setups, while backward compatibility protects investments in existing LTO-5 media. It supports secure, encrypted archiving and compliance needs with features like WORM and hardware encryption, making it a dependable choice for enterprise data protection.
Compatibility
The IBM 3573-8344 LTO-6 FH Fibre Channel tape drive is designed for installation in IBM TS3100 (3573-L2U) and TS3200 (3573-L4U) tape libraries as a full-high drive sled. It connects via the library's internal Fibre Channel backbone and supports host connectivity through the library's external 8 Gbps Fibre Channel ports to IBM Power Systems, open systems servers, or compatible HBAs. Compatible with LTO-6 Ultrium cartridges and standard backup software supporting IBM LTO drives (e.g., IBM Spectrum Protect, Arcserve Backup, CommVault, Veritas NetBackup). Backward compatibility includes read/write on LTO-5 and read on LTO-4 for legacy data access.
Warranty: 60 days from DataTechComputer.com.
