Electronic Storage Corporation, developer of LaserVault Solutions

New iSCSI connectivity expands deployment options for IBM i, simplifies cloud and hybrid environments, and can coexist with Fibre Channel.

LaserVault ViTL is now available with iSCSI connectivity, allowing IBM i systems to connect to virtual tape over standard Ethernet networks without requiring specialized Fibre Channel or SAS connectivity. The new capability expands deployment options for IBM Power Systems environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid configurations, while preserving familiar IBM i backup and recovery workflows.

High-Performance Ethernet Connectivity 

In initial testing, ViTL achieved approximately 380–400 MB/s over a single 10 Gigabit Ethernet connection. 

Performance can also scale through parallel operations. Testing with two virtual tape drives performing simultaneous save operations achieved approximately 600 MB/s aggregate throughput, with each drive delivering roughly 300 MB/s. Actual performance will vary based on network, server, storage, and workload configuration.

“These results demonstrate the potential of iSCSI connectivity to deliver substantial throughput while using standard Ethernet infrastructure,” said Al Jensen, Vice President at LaserVault. “There is additional testing underway to explore performance across different network and cloud configurations.” 

Fibre Channel and iSCSI Can Coexist 

Customers are not required to choose between Fibre Channel and iSCSI. 

ViTL can support both Fibre Channel and iSCSI connectivity, allowing organizations to use the transport mechanism that best fits each IBM i environment. 

For organizations moving toward cloud or virtualized infrastructure, iSCSI also provides additional deployment flexibility. ViTL can be deployed in a Windows virtual machine without requiring a Fibre Channel or SAS HBA, using standard network connectivity instead.

Existing Backup Workflows Remain Intact 

One key advantage of ViTL's iSCSI implementation is that customers can continue using familiar IBM i backup applications and commands. 

ViTL presents itself to IBM i as a tape library and tape drive, allowing customers to continue using established backup and recovery processes. ViTL supports native IBM i SAV/RST commands as well as Backup, Recovery and Media Services (BRMS), and Robot Save, and GO SAVE.

Existing ViTL customers using Fibre Channel or SAS can also add iSCSI connectivity without converting their existing virtual tapes. Virtual tapes created through existing ViTL deployments can be restored using an iSCSI-connected ViTL environment.

About LaserVault 

LaserVault provides virtual tape library, backup, deduplication, and data storage solutions designed to help organizations protect and manage their data. LaserVault solutions support IBM i environments and are designed to integrate with established backup and recovery processes. 

For more information, visit Electronic Storage Corporation at www.laservault.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Electronic Storage Corporation, founded in 1989, is the creator of LaserVault document management and backup and recovery software products, designed for seamless integration, ease of use, scalability and affordability. LaserVault software gives your business instantaneous access to critical business records and secure data protection. LaserVault solutions are used by small to large businesses representing many industries, including: hospitality, financial, insurance, manufacturing, distribution, telecommunications, government, wholesale, retail, hospitals, pharmaceutical, construction, education, and utility companies.