Something else to consider with the newer models (that I know of) for DataDomain / TSM Setup..
We are using data domain (DD990's) back end for the TSM Servers here. (TSM 6.2.x) running on AIX.
We initially looked at setting them up as VTL's, but after talking with the EMC Reps we have gone simply using the DD as a target point for the backups..
we have 5 NFS mounts defined on the AIX box, that go to 2 containers on the data domain. TSM dev class set up -:
4 for data store, and one for the target for database backups ( and dev / vol config ) .
Device Class Name: DD990_DEVFILE_POOL
Device Access Strategy: Sequential
Storage Pool Count: 1
Device Type: FILE
Format: DRIVE
Est/Max Capacity (MB): 35,840.0
Mount Limit: 300
Directory: /tsm/TSMPROD/TSMOPAPBKUP,/tsm/TSMPROD/TSMOPAPBKUP2,/tsm/TSMPROD/TSMOPAPBKUP3,/tsm/TSMP-
ROD/TSMOPAPBKUP4
We have only had this running for about 2 months, but have had no issues with the volumes deleting /free'ing up space etc.
benifit so far, not having to worry about drive allocations etc in the VTL.
- we also still get the dedup of all the data, and the Datadomain back end replication to the DR site.
This eliminated the need for Fibre connection, we simple use the 10GbEthernet, with the 1GB for replication and management.
Something else to consider maybe.