The use of all 10 volumes is normal.  ADSM will write txngroupmax files to
each volume is succession (or if the files are big it uses txnbytelimit).
If all the volumes are on the same drive, then perhaps there is some
thrashing going on due to seeking to different files (volumes).  For a
single disk try the single volume approach advocated by Mr. Diver.

As for the overall performance of disk vs. tape. For lots of little files, I
would suggest Disk will almost always be faster.  But for large files to
good tape technology, the difference will probably not be noticeable.

I'd focus on the your configuration before ruling out disk storage pools.
Most of us use them and love them.  OK, love a bit strong for an inanimate
piece of software.  I'll go with like.

Thanks,

Kelly J. Lipp
Storage Solutions Specialists, Inc.
PO Box 51313
Colorado Springs CO 80949
719-531-5926
www.storsol.com
lipp AT storsol DOT com