StarWind VTL – Creating Virtual Tape Library Device

StarWind Virtual Tape Library (VTL) is a StarWind Virtual SAN feature that eliminates the need for the physical tape by emulating the industry-standard tape hardware and keeping all data on inexpensive, fast and high-capacity spinning disks.

In this article, I will explain how to create the VTL device that runs on top of the Windows Server 2016. In my case, I deployed the following environment in my Azure subscription:

  • Win2016: It is the StarWind Virtual SAN server. (IP: 10.0.0.21)
  • DC1: It is the server on which I mounted the VTL device. (IP: 10.0.0.6)

Installation

To deploy StarWind VTL, firstly you need to download StarWind Virtual SAN from this link.

Run the executable:

In my case, I select the Full installation mode:

Download the license and import it:

Click “OK” to start the iSCSI initiator service

Configuration

Once the product is installed, run the StarWind management console. You can set the default location of the storage pool:

Then, click “Add Device (advanced)” to configure a VTL Device:

Here, select “Tape Device

Now, select the Disk Device Type. In my case, I select Virtual Tape:

Create a new VTL Library. Enter the friendly name:

A default device model will be selected. You can select to fill storage slots with empty tapes or not.

Create a new target and enter a target alias. Don’t forget to select “Allow multiple concurrent iSCSI Connections

Click Next to validate

Wait until the VTL is created

Open the StarWind Management Console and confirm that a VTL device exists. As you can see, 5 tapes have been created during the provisioning because I selected to fill storage slots with empty tapes.

Connect to StarWind VTL

Now, I switch to the second server called “DC1” and I can open the iSCSI initiator properties. You will be prompted to start the iSCSI service, so click Yes. Then in the target field, enter the IP Address of the StarWind VTL server and click “Quick Connect…

A new window appears and you can confirm the status:

Close the window and you will notice the target which must be connected

Once connected, you can open the Device Manager and the tape drives will appear as local devices

Conclusion

So now you can use your StarWind VTL device in your backup software (DPM, Veeam, …) as a usable tape device. Thanks to this article, you are now ready to start experimenting StarWind VTL which is a great way to deploy a VTL device for testing or production purposes.

 

Thanks for reading! You can follow me on Twitter @PrigentNico

 

About Nicolas 282 Articles
I work as an IT Production Manager, based in Paris (France) with a primary focus on Microsoft technologies. I have 10 years experience in administering Windows Servers. . I am a Microsoft MVP for Cloud & Datacenter Management. I also received the PowerShell Hero 2016 award by PowerShell.0rg. And finally, I am "MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure", "MCSA: Windows Servers", "Administering & Deploying SCCM", and CheckPoint CCSA certified.