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IBM RDX Removable Disk Backup Solution

Product Guide (withdrawn product)

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Updated
10 Nov 2010
Form Number
TIPS0726
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17 pages, 351 KB

Abstract

The new IBM® RDX removable disk backup solution is designed to reliably and cost-effectively help protect your business's valuable assets. It uses a rugged removable disk cartridge and docking station to provide an easy-to-use, highly secure, fast and portable answer to your data protection needs.

Note: This product has been withdrawn from marketing and is no longer available. The replacement is the RDX USB 3.0 Disk Backup Solution.

Introduction


The new IBM RDX removable disk backup solution is designed to reliably and cost-effectively help protect your business's valuable assets. It uses a rugged removable disk cartridge and docking station to provide an easy-to-use, highly secure, fast and portable answer to your data protection needs.

The IBM RDX Internal and External USB removable disk drives are shown in Figure 1.

IBM RDX internal and external USB drives
Figure 1. IBM RDX internal and external USB drives

 

Did you know?

IBM RDX features high-capacity shock-resistant 160 GB, 320 GB, and 500 GB cartridges, making your storage options extremely flexible. Each is ruggedized to withstand a drop from up to 0.9 meters (36 in.) without damage. The RDX USB docking stations are offered in external stand-alone as well as internal 5.25-inch half height units to seamlessly integrate into your System x or BladeCenter S environment. The USB interface ensures a simple installation, while providing high performance with sustained transfer rates of up to 90 GB per hour.

The standard Yosemite Backup Basic with Disaster Recovery for IBM RDX application provides a wizard-based management approach to backup and recovery. The software includes advanced functionality such as bare metal disaster recovery and cartridge encryption features.
 

Part number information

Table 1. Ordering part numbers and feature codes

Description Part number Feature code
IBM RDX160 Internal USB bundle (carrier/dock + 160 GB cartridge) 46C5364 Not applicable
IBM RDX320 Internal USB bundle (carrier/dock + 320 GB cartridge) 46C5387 Not applicable
IBM RDX500 Internal USB bundle (carrier/dock + 500 GB cartridge) 46C5388 Not applicable
IBM RDX160 External USB bundle (carrier/dock + 160 GB cartridge) 362516X Not applicable
IBM RDX320 External USB bundle (carrier/dock + 320 GB cartridge) 362532X Not applicable
IBM RDX500 External USB bundle (carrier/dock + 500 GB cartridge) 362550X Not applicable
IBM RDX internal carrier/dock only Not available 5710
IBM RDX 160 GB Cartridge 46C5366 5707
IBM RDX 320 GB Cartridge 46C5367 5708
IBM RDX 500 GB Cartridge 46C5368 5709


The part numbers for the IBM RDX Internal USB Bundle include the following items:

 

  • One internal carrier/dock (drive) to fit into a 5.25" HH bay
  • One cartridge (either 160 GB, 320 GB, or 500 GB capacity)
  • Documentation CD
  • Software CD
  • Four USB cables for internal tape connectivity:
    • 14-inch USB cable with type 2x3 connector x3200 and x3200 M2
    • 28-inch USB cable with type B connector for x3400 and x3500
    • 12.5-inch USB cable with type 1x6 connector x3650 and x3655
    • 40-inch USB cable with type A locking connector for x3400 M2, x3500 M2, x3650 M2, and other systems
  • Mounting screws


The internal drive can be converted to a 3.5" form factor for use in some rack-optimized servers as described below in Supported Servers.

The part numbers for the IBM RDX External USB Bundle include the following items:

 

 

  • One external carrier/dock (drive)
  • One cartridge (either 160 GB, 320 GB, or 500 GB capacity)
  • Documentation CD
  • Software CD
  • AC adapter (12 output; 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz input)
  • 3 m external USB cable


The part numbers for the IBM RDX cartridges include the following item:

 

 

  • One cartridge (either 160 GB, 320 GB, or 500 GB capacity)


Figure 2 shows the three available cartridge sizes.

IBM RDX cartridges
Figure 2. IBM RDX cartridges

 

 

 

 

Features

The IBM RDX drives have the following features:

  • Affordable capacity: 160 GB, 320 GB, and 500 GB disk cartridges.
  • Simplicity: With only the native OS, RDX provides random access to data and the convenience of drag-and-drop functionality through persistent drive letter access. It can also be addressed like traditional removable tape media, when used in conjunction with any of the supported backup applications.
  • Flexibility: Internal and external RDX installation alternatives.
  • Plug-and-Play connectivity: USB 2.0 interface for increased ease of use.
  • Inexpensive performance: USB sustained transfer rate of up to 25 MBps.
  • Portability and durability: RDX disk cartridges are shock-resistant, rugged, and removable for safely transporting offsite. Each is ruggedized to withstand a drop from up to 0.9 meters (36 in.) without damage.
  • Investment protection: Carrier will support next generation capacities of cartridges.
  • Effortless ordering: Internal and external single-cartridge bundles by capacity; additional cartridges can be ordered separately.
  • Includes Yosemite Backup Basic with Disaster Recovery, a powerful and intuitive backup application.
  • Secure: Cartridges can be password protected and software encrypted for extra security.

 

 

 

Specifications

The IBM RDX drives have the following specifications:

  • Up to 25 MBps native USB transfer rate
  • Up to 500 GB native capacity
  • Standard Yosemite Backup Basic with DR for IBM RDX application
  • Hot-plug capability
  • 5.25-inch Internal form factor, convertible to 3.5-inch form factor in certain configurations
  • External USB stand-alone offering or internal docks can be used with external enclosure

 

 

 

Physical specifications

IBM RDX Internal USB drive:

  • Height: 41 mm (1.6 in)
  • Width: 146 mm (5.75 in)
  • Depth: 172 mm (6.8 in) - including bezel
  • Weight: 635 g (1 lb 6 oz)


IBM RDX External USB drive:

 

  • Height: 52 mm (2.0 in)
  • Width: 110 mm (4.3 in)
  • Depth: 177 mm (7.0 in) - including bezel
  • Weight: 540 g (1 lb 3 oz)


IBM RDX cartridge:

 

 

  • Height: 24 mm (0.9 in)
  • Width: 87 mm (3.4 in)
  • Depth: 119 mm (4.7 in)
  • Weight: 173 g (6.0 oz)

 

 

 

Operating environment

The IBM RDX drives are supported in this environment:

  • Temperature:
    • Operating: 10° to 40°C (50° to 104°F)
    • Non-operating: -40° to 65°C (-40° to 149°F)
  • Relative humidity:
    • Operating: 20% to 80% (non-condensing)
    • Non-operating: 10% to 90% (non-condensing)

 

 

 

Warranty

Warranty on the IBM RDX Internal Dock: 1-year customer-replaceable unit (CRU) limited warranty, or when installed in an IBM System x server or IBM external tape enclosure the internal dock would assume your system's or enclosures' base warranty and any ServicePac upgrade.

Warranty on the IBM RDX External Dock: Three year, customer-replaceable unit (CRU) limited warranty.

Warranty on the IBM RDX cartridges: RDX cartridges come standard with a 1-year limited warranty, or assume your IBM System x server, IBM external Tape enclosures, or IBM external RDX docks base warranty and warranty ServicePac upgrades during the base warranty period. RDX cartridges are not covered under post warranty maintenance contracts.

 

Supported servers

The IBM RDX Internal and External Docks are supported in the IBM System x servers listed in Table 2.

Table 2. Supported System x servers (Part 1)

x3100 M3 x3200 M2 x3200 M3 x3250 M2 x3250 M3 x3350 x3400 x3400 M2 3.8F6.gif x3455 x3500 x3500 M2 3.2C46.gif x3550

IBM RDX External Dock

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IBM RDX Internal Dock in an external enclosure (see Table 4)

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IBM RDX Internal Dock installed internally in the server (see Table 3)

N

Y

Y

N

N

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N


Table 2. Supported System x servers (Part 2)

x3550 M2 x3550 M3 x3620 M3 x3630 M3 x3650 x3650 T x3650 M2 x3650 M3 x3655 x3690 X5 x3755 5.7FC.gif x3850 M2 x3950 M2 x3850 X5 BladeCenter S

IBM RDX External Dock

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y*

IBM RDX Internal Dock in an external enclosure (see Table 4)

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y*

IBM RDX Internal Dock installed internally in the server (see Table 3)

N

N

Y†

N

Y†

N

Y†

Y†

Y†

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

* Connectivity to the BladeCenter S chassis is via the USB port in the media tray on the front of the chassis.
† To use the drive internally in these servers, the drive is converted to a 3.5-inch form factor, as described in the next section

See IBM ServerProven for the latest information about the devices supported by each System x server type. Either view by server or select the Tape backup units link: http://ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/

 

Internal installation

The IBM RDX Internal Dock can be installed internally in specific servers as listed in Table 2. Except where noted, the Internal Dock is installed in its standard 5.25-inch form factor.

As listed with a † symbol in Table 2, various servers support the Internal Dock mounted internally with the addition of a 3.5-inch enablement kit. Table 2 also lists the servers in which each enablement kit is supported.

Table 3. The 3.5-inch enablement kits for use with the IBM RDX Internal Dock when installed internally in the server

x3620 M3 x3650 x3650 M2 x3650 M3 x3655

IBM DDS Tape Enablement Kit

43V5959

5387 or 4873

N

Y

N

N

Y*

IBM System x3650 M2 RDX-DDS Tape Enablement Kit

49Y9883

7551

N

N

Y

N

N

Tape Enablement Kit option for IBM System x3650 M3

59Y3806

1746

N

N

N

Y

N

IBM x3620 M3 Tape Enablement Kit

69Y0798

6419

Y

N

N

N

N

* The installation of IBM DDS Tape Enablement Kit in an x3655 is in the field only. Installation is not available as a factory installation (CTO) option.

 

External use

The IBM RDX External Dock is designed to be used externally connected to the server or BladeCenter S chassis as listed in Table 2. The IBM RDX Internal Dock can also be used externally connected to supported servers (see Table 2) when installed inside one of the following enclosures and as listed in Table 4:

  • IBM 1U Rackmount Tape Enclosure
  • IBM 4U Rackmount Tape Enclosure (now withdrawn)
  • IBM Half High Tabletop Tape Enclosure


Note: Each of these enclosures also requires an IBM USB Enclosure Adapter Kit, 44E8869, to route the USB cabling from the tape drive to the rear of the enclosure. The IBM USB Enclosure Adapter Kit includes the following components:

 

  • USB adapter/connector
  • One 3 m (12 ft) USB cable
  • One 25 cm (1 ft) USB cable


Table 4. External enclosures for use with the IBM RDX Internal Dock

 

Description Part number Feature code
IBM 1U Rackmount Tape Enclosure 87651UX (AG)*
87651NX (AP and EMEA)†
8765HC1 fc 2290
IBM 4U Rackmount Tape Enclosure (withdrawn) 87664UX (AG)*
87664NX (AP and EMEA)†
Not available
(product is withdrawn)
IBM Half High Tabletop Tape Enclosure 8767HHX (AG)*
87671NX (AP and EMEA)†
8767HC1 fc 2287
IBM USB Enclosure Adapter Kit‡ 44E8869 5396

* These models are for customers in the Americas Group (AG - Canada, U.S., and countries in South America). These models ship with a NEMA 5-15P line cord.
† These models are for customers in the countries known collectively as Asia Pacific (AP) and Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA). These models do not ship with a line cord.
‡ See the above note.

 

Supported software products

The IBM RDX USB Drive supports the following software products:

  • Symantec Backup Exec
  • CA ArcServe
  • Yosemite Backup

 

 

 

Yosemite Backup Basic with DR

The IBM RDX USB removable disk back-up solution includes Yosemite Backup Basic with DR (disaster recovery).

The Yosemite Backup Basic with DR for the IBM RDX application provides a powerful, intuitive wizard-based management approach to backup and recovery, as shown in Figure 4. This enables you to effortlessly back up and restore all of your data quickly.

Yosemite Backup - wizards
Figure 4. Yosemite Backup - wizards

Yosemite Backup Basic with DR makes scheduling backups easy through a simple calendar interface, as shown in Figure 5. For RDX, Yosemite Backup can automate and guide your cartridge rotation strategy. Automated email notifications can keep you informed of your backup completions or any problems encountered during backup operations.

Yosemite Backup - scheduling properties of a backup job
Figure 5. Yosemite Backup - scheduling properties of a backup job

The advanced data encryption feature (Figure 6) helps safeguard against costly security breaches and exposure of proprietary data if a cartridge is stolen or lost. Yosemite Backup Basic with DR also provides software data compression to get the most efficient use of your RDX media.

Yosemite Backup - encryption properties of a backup job
Figure 6. Yosemite Backup - encryption properties of a backup job

 

Supported operating systems

The IBM RDX USB Drive and Yosemite Backup software support the following operating systems:

  • SUSE Linux
  • Red Hat Linux
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008

 

 

 

Related product families

Product families related to this document are the following:

Trademarks

Lenovo and the Lenovo logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Lenovo in the United States, other countries, or both. A current list of Lenovo trademarks is available on the Web at https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/legal/copytrade/.

The following terms are trademarks of Lenovo in the United States, other countries, or both:
Lenovo®
BladeCenter®
ServerProven®
System x®

The following terms are trademarks of other companies:

Linux® is the trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries.

Microsoft®, Windows Server®, and Windows® are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

Other company, product, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.