Hitachi Data Systems Inc has announced general availability of the first of two automated tape library systems. The 7450 Media Manager library product has been available to customers in Japan for the past two year and operates under the full control of a data facility storage management subsystem, which does away with the need for a special host- based control software system, and dual redundant robots service from 2,100 to 8,750 cartridges per library. Depending on the model, up to 32 drives and eight controller paths can be supported. Escon Enterprise systems connection support is available immediately. The smaller entry-level 7430 Media Manager has a capacity ranging from 316 to 3,016 cartridges, and will be shipped in volume later this year.
