Virtual tape

When you use virtual tape devices, you create virtual tape volumes that exist on your server disk units.

Virtual tape devices can perform the same tasks as physical tape except for the following:

• Install of base i5/OS™ (RSTLICPGM is supported)
• SAVSTG
• Dump to media from SST and DST

• Image catalog entry for virtual tape storage
  An image catalog entry displays information about the virtual volume within an image catalog and contains information about a virtual image located in the image catalog directory.
• Volume spanning for virtual tape storage
  Spanning occurs when the volumes have files that continue from one volume to the next.
• Format of virtual tape images
  The density (format) parameter controls the optimum block size that the volume will use so the created volume will be compatible for duplication to your physical tape device.
• Prepare for virtual tape storage
  This topic provides information about meeting the requirements for virtual tape storage and preparing to use it.
• Set up virtual tape storage
  This topic provides a high-level overview of the steps used to set up virtual tape storage. This topic also provides links to information that provide specific instructions for setting up virtual tape storage based on what task you want to accomplish.
• Change the write protection for image catalog entries for virtual tape
  Use this information to change the write protection for virtual tape media.
• Transport virtual images to another server
  Use these instructions to move virtual images among different servers.
• Troubleshoot virtual tape storage
  This topic provides general information about troubleshooting common virtual tape problems.