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X-LINK LOCAL AND
REMOTE MONITORING IS THE FASTEST WAY TO SOLVE
PROBLEMS |
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2:10 PM
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A sensor in the XLS is triggered, indicating
that a hardware error has occurred. X-Link
automatically sends an e-mail to the
designated administrator(s), containing
detailed information about the event.
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2:14 PM
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After reviewing the e-mail, the
administrator contacts Qualstar Technical
Support.
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2:18 PM
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Using a secure connection through the
customer’s network, Tech Support logs into
X-Link, runs a diagnostic procedure and
determines that a component needs to be
replaced.
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2:25 PM
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On-site service is dispatched, with the
correct replacement part in hand.
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The XLS
Homepage provides quick access to all library functions.
Detailed I/O port
information allows import and export operations to be
reviewed.
To view the status of
the cartridge slots, simply select a storage area from
the View Hardware panel.
User groups let the
X-Link administrator control exactly which tasks each
user can perform.
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X-LINK SPECIFICATIONS |
Ethernet Connection
(for remote access) |
10 /100 Base-T network with
CAT5e or better, straight-through Ethernet cable |
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Web Browser Compatibility |
Microsoft Internet Explorer
6 (and higher)
Netscape 7.2 (and higher)
Mozilla 1.7.12 (and higher)
Firefox 1.5 (and higher) |
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Browser Requirements |
Java Script and cookies
must be enabled |
|
E-mail Requirements
(for alerts) |
SMTP server and Name server |
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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). |