You can reduce the number of tape cartridges, devices, and automated tape libraries by implementing an IBM® TotalStorage Virtual Tape Server (VTS) or an IBM TotalStorage Peer-to-Peer Virtual Tape Server (PtP VTS). This virtual tape subsystem consists of virtual tape devices, virtual tape volumes, tape volume cache (DASD), and hierarchical storage management software.

The PtP VTS addresses data availability, system availability, remote copy, and data vaulting needs by coupling together two stand-alone VTSs. Virtual tape controllers provide replication, transparent tracking, and synchronization of the logical tape volumes. The VTS appears as one library image to the attached z/OS® hosts. It provides multiple copies of all tape data. It also supports an immediate or deferred copy option.

DFSMS supports the importing and exporting of VTS tape data. For example, VTS tape data can be exported (physically ejected) from a virtual library for storage management tasks, such as application migration, data interchange, offsite vaulting, exterior (nonlibrary) shelf storage, or disaster recovery.

For more information on managing VTS tape data, refer to z/OS DFSMS OAM Planning, Installation, and Storage Administration Guide for Tape Libraries.