SINGLE-VIEW, WORLDWIDE
MANAGEMENT INTERFACE
FOR XLS LIBRARIES

X-Link, the Qualstar XLS Management Interface provides powerful tools and comprehensive information to monitor and manage enterprise library operations around the clock and across the globe. Incorporated into every XLS, X-Link combines an easy-to-use graphical interface with sophisticated library control and management tools.

FLEXIBLE, WORLD-WIDE ACCESS

X-Link is accessed locally using the 15-inch, color touch screen built into the XLS, or remotely via a local area network or the Internet. Additionally, onboard Ethernet ports allow service providers to connect a laptop computer for on-site configuration and service operations. Each connection mode provides the same features, and multiple simultaneous connections are supported.

Remote access is both convenient and cost effective, requiring nothing more than a standard Internet browser. Authorized users can log in remotely to check the status of the library; review detailed event logs; upgrade library firmware; import, export and move cartridges; clean tape drives; change SCSI IDs and even run diagnostic routines if required. Access through a VPN or firewall ensures complete system security.

LOGICAL LIBRARY MANAGEMENT

X-Link can group tape drives, cartridge slots and I/O ports into up to eight logical libraries. Partitioning the physical XLS into logical libraries allows several software applications to share XLS resources. In the simplest and most typical configuration, a single backup application controls each partition over a dedicated command and control port. The XLS implements intelligent control routines to queue move requests, eliminating conflicts and maintaining an up-to-date cartridge inventory of all partitions at all times. Events are reported by X-Link for each logical library, and each partition can be individually taken offline for administration actions or maintenance.

SIMPLE INSTALLATION AND SETUP

X-Link includes two installation wizards, which assist with configuring the physical library and creating logical library partitions.

EASY TO USE WEB-BASED DESIGN

X-Link uses best-of-breed, open source software and is compliant with industry standards. The X-Link Homepage provides a high-level summary of library status and streamlined access to library settings and policies, to operations of the physical library, the logical library partitions, the user groups and the event log.

X-Link employs consistent and intuitive design elements throughout. Required fields are flagged and pull-down lists reduce input errors.

Portlet technology allows each user to tailor the interface by displaying, hiding or rearranging X-Link functional areas. A “virtual” keyboard and options for larger controls and text enhance the usability of the front-panel touch screen.

COMPREHENSIVE HELP AND DOCUMENTATION

The X-Link on-line Help System provides detailed, context sensitive explanations and step-by-step instructions. X-Link users can also download Adobe Acrobat PDF files of XLS manuals to any connected computer.

EVENT MONITORING AND NOTIFICATION

System health is continually monitored. If a hardware sensor is triggered, X-Link collects the relevant information and automatically sends a detailed e-mail to designated administrators and service personnel. Because XLS diagnostic routines can be run remotely via X-Link, problem resolution can begin immediately, saving both time and money.

HARDWARE MONITORING

Selecting View Hardware allows users to drill down a hierarchical tree to obtain summary and status information for major library components, cartridges and tape drives (figures 2 and 3).

RELIABLE OPERATION

X-Link includes an automatic restart manager in the event of an unexpected power failure. Firmware updates can also be performed remotely.

CUSTOMIZABLE SECURITY

X-Link provides a fast way for administrators to set up system access. The administrator merely identifies the authorized users, gives each a unique ID and password, and assigns them to one or more user groups. Depending on their user group, users can “monitor” or “monitor and configure” the entire physical library or an individual logical library partition.

By specifying which tasks members can perform, user groups provide fine-grained security for all library operations. Default user groups – Super User, Physical Library Administrator, Logical Library Administrator, Library Operator and Logical Library User – can be used as is or modified. Or, administrators can create completely new groups as required (figure 4).