Could you please tell us what level of microcode you now have in the
dlt7000, and what fix you put on ADSM ?

We would appreciate it very much!

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Roger Hohmann [SMTP:Roger_Hohmann AT WESTLB DOT DE]
> Sent: Thursday, November 19, 1998 10:59 AM
> To:   ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU
> Subject:      Re: Battle over STK vs IBM
>
> We have (had) similar problems after upgrading to dlt7000 (from dlt4000),
> for
> several months. Two weeks ago we changed (not the first time!) microcode
> in dlt7000, another fix in adsm etc etc etc. Now we had 2 weeks without
> i/o error (hear, hear). On my stk silo connected to s390, I never had
> comparable
> problems.
>
> Some days ago someone told me that quantum (only manufacturer of dlt
> drives) says
> that those drives like to have a constant datastream of at least 3.5 MB/s,
> otherwise
> they have to reposition various times which results in lower reliability
> (I didn't check
> this but it sounds good). We are backing up through the net direct to tape
> so we can't reach this throughput.
>
> Maybe the reliability is improved when one is using disk pools as cache?
> Or watch for throughput of the affected scsi channel (or both)?
> Or the adsm uses smaller tape buffers than other comparable products do?
>
> I don't think this problem lies only on stk side. Now we have additional
> adsm servers
> with 3590, you may ask me middle next year if it's better.
>
> Regards
> Roger
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:   Adam Slesinger [SMTP:aslesinger AT US.BNSMC DOT COM]
> Sent:   Wednesday, November 18, 1998 10:00 PM
> To:     ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU
> Subject:        Battle over STK vs IBM
>
> Fellow adsmers,
>
>     Hello there.  We installed adsm (3.1.1.5 on AIX) this last summer
> using a STK9730 automated DLT tape library and I was given the
> responsibility to make it work.  My job has been a living hell ever
> since. Out of nowhere, I/O errors appeared, became worse, and it has
> gotten to the point where I cannot do any operation that requires the
> tape drive.  In the beginning, I protested the idea of buying a tape
> drive from a different vendor.  It just makes sense to go with both IBM
> software and hardware. For the past 4 months, IBM has been telling me
> that these problems we've been encountering are a hardware issue, and
> STK firmly believes that they're a software problem!!!  We tried
> everything from replacing SSCI cards to upgrading microcode on the
> drives, but all to no avail.
>     Now, I have to go to upper management and try and explain why we
> should return this STK9730 and replace it with an IBM product, such as a
> Magstar. If there is anyone out there who has had similar compatibility,
> performance, or reliability problems with either STK devices or DLT
> tapes, your stories and input would be most appreciated.  I need to
> build up a good argument for the guys upstairs.
>     Thank you very much in advance,
>
> adam
> aslesinger AT us.bnsmc DOT com