The system of tape libraries Oracle STK SL8500 used by us is modular expandable. Expansions can be added during operation or with short outage.

Each library consists of a base module which encloses two end pieces and one head. This base module can be enlarged by inserting expansion modules.

Two libraries can be connected with up to four pass through ports. Libraries connected this way appearing as one archive to the using hosts. The potential nescessary transfer of a tape between connected libraries is done automatically under local control of the libraries.

Each library can assimilate up to 64 tape drives. The replacement or installation of a new tape drive can be done without interrupting operation of the library.

The electricity supply is redundant. Each library contains two separate supply lines where one of them is sufficient to run the library. Single parts like drives and handbots are not depending on own power supplies. They are using a common pool of central installed power supplies which can be replaced during operation.