Typically in the AIX TSM server environments (can't speak for the others) it
will use empty scratch volumes in the order they ~became~ empty/scratch be
that from all the data expiring on it, reclamation, or checking into the
library so if you had a "brand new tape" you specifically wanted used, you
might have to do some additional activity... if you just wanted a fresh
empty tape used... Kelly's description would work.

An alternate way to take specific files out of the library would be to:

1) if you don't have any other archive data for that node... archive the
data and then do an export of the archive data and send that off

2) define an alternate node name for that node like <existing node name>_exp
and backup or archive the files you need to have taken off site, then export
that node to tape

With the exports, you can specify private tapes or let it use scratch and it
will pick an empty tape and only put the export data on it.

Dwight

-----Original Message-----
From: ADSM: Dist Stor Manager [mailto:ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU] On Behalf Of
Kelly Lipp
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 1:35 PM
To: ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU
Subject: Re: [ADSM-L] Backup files to empty tape

I assume you are using scratch tapes in your library for the pool where this
data is heading.  By default, TSM will choose one of the filling scratch
tapes first.  To make sure it uses a brand new tape, set all the filling
tapes in that pool in that library to ReadOnly.  Then start the backup to
that pool.  TSM will be forced to take another tape from scratch.  Note the
volser of the tape being used.  When the backup is done, check that tape out
and set the readonly tapes back to readwrite.

There are variations on the theme but this will work.  Make sure nothing
else is going on during this or you might get other data on that tape.

Thanks,

Kelly Lipp
CTO
STORServer, Inc.
485-B Elkton Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
719-266-8777 x7105
www.storserver.com


-----Original Message-----
From: ADSM: Dist Stor Manager [mailto:ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU] On Behalf Of
Mario Behring
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 12:23 PM
To: ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU
Subject: [ADSM-L] Backup files to empty tape

Hi list,

I have to backup some files from a TSM node to an empty tape and send this
tape away (check out from the library). What is the best approach to perform
this task?

Thanks

Mario