Tape - Automated Tape Library Barcode / Cartridge / Volser / Media Label Technical Brief

Asset ID:	1-79-1364371.1
Update Date:	2018-05-11
Keywords:

Solution Type Predictive Self-Healing Sure

Solution 1364371.1 : Tape - Automated Tape Library Barcode / Cartridge / Volser / Media Label Technical Brief

Applies to:

Sun StorageTek SL24 Tape Autoloader
Sun Storage SDLT 600 Tape Drive - Version Not Applicable and later
Sun StorageTek SL500 Modular Library System - Version Not Applicable and later
Sun StorageTek 9840 Tape Drive - Version Not Applicable and later
LTO Tape Drive - Version Not Applicable and later
Information in this document applies to any platform.

LTO Cleaning / Clean Cartridge Label
External Media Volser Cartridge Label
Barcode cleaning Label

Purpose

Tape - Automated Tape Library Barcode / Cartridge / Volser Media Label Technical Brief.

Scope

Refer to Automated Tape Library Barcode Label Technical Brief attachment below:

Contents:

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................5
Scan Engine .............................................................................................................................. 5
Label Design ............................................................................................................................. 6
Media Label Requirements ....................................................................................................... 8
Labeling Media ........................................................................................................................ 11
T-Series Tape Cartridge Labels ............................................................................................. 12
Upside-Down Detection ..........................................................................................................12
LTO and DLT Cartridges ..........................................................................................................12
T-Series Cartridges .................................................................................................................13
Non-labeled Cartridges ...........................................................................................................13
Unreadable Labels .................................................................................................................. 13
Cartridge Label Care ............................................................................................................... 13
Unsupported Label Types ....................................................................................................... 14
Problem Labels ....................................................................................................................... 15

Details

This document describes the barcode labels used for cartridge tapes in Oracle’s StorageTek Automated Cartridge Systems (ACS), also known as tape libraries.

Refer to the attached document for information regarding Barcode Labels used in Oracle/StorageTek SL-series libraries.

Examples of labels, specifications and unsupported labels are provided.

NOTE: (Added 23-May-2013)

Some general comments on Label Support:

Oracle does support customer’s printing their own labels if they meet the label specifications; specifications attached. The most common problems encountered with customers and third party vendors printing their own labels is poor print quality, examples; labels miss-positioned which can cause the label to be off centered, toner splatter; black dots encroaching on the white space, and poor installation on the cartridge; labels installed at an angle or not within the recessed regions of the cartridge.

Open Source Volser
Relatively new specification, not in wide use today; described as "Open Source Volser". A standard which Oracle supports on the SL8500 starting at code 4.70. Oracle supports up to 12 characters in a label. It does not designate MD <media_id and domain> as it has done it in the past. The customer defines 3 characters as they wish. It provides much flexibility on how media is managed.

StorageTek T10K and LTO Specification
Based on open industry standards noted in the attachment. It is an 8 character barcode standard that includes the MD character to designate the media_id and domain.

9x40 Labels; 6+1 Labels
Original label specification that supports 9x40 media. Originally protected by patents from EDP & Wrightline. The patent has since expired and Oracle supports any labels that meet the specification based on the Code 39 Specification. Several vendors are printing the 6+1 labels.

Oracle does encourage customers to buy professionally printed labels but if they meet the specifications it is supported.

Attachments

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