## Software implementation in z/VM 

This section explains how to implement and run the TS7700 under z/VM. It covers the basics for software requirements, implementation, customization, and platform-specific considerations about operations and monitoring. For more information, see IBM TS3500 Tape Library with System z Attachment A Practical Guide to Enterprise Tape Drives and TS3500 Tape Automation , SG24-6789,  or IBM TS4500 Introduction and Planning Guide, SC27-5990. 

## Software requirements 

The IBM TS7700 is supported by IBM z/VM V6R4 or later. With z/VM, the TS7700 models are transparent to host software. z/VM V6R4, or later, is required for guest and native VM support that provide base CP functions. 

## TS7700 multi-cluster grid environments disaster recovery 

Introduced by VM65789 is the ability for the RMS component of DFSMS/VM to use the COPY EXPORT functionality of a TS7700. COPY EXPORT allows a copy of selected logical volumes that are written on the backend physical tape that is attached to a TS7700 to be removed and taken offsite for disaster recovery purposes. For more information, see z/VM: DFSMS/VM Removable Media Services , SC24-6278. 

For DR tests that involve a TS7700 grid that is connected to hosts that are running z/VM, a keyword on the DRSETUP  command that is called SELFLIVE is available. This keyword provides a DR host the ability to access its self-created content that was moved into a write-protected category when flash is enabled. For more information, see Library Request Command , WP101091. 

## z/VM native support that uses DFSMS/VM 

DFSMS/VM Function Level 221 (FL221) is the only way for a z/VM system to communicate with a TS7700. DFSMS/VM FL221 is part of z/VM. The removable media services (RMS) function of DFSMS/VM FL221 provides TS7700 support in z/VM, as described in DFSMS/VM Function Level 221 Removable Media Services , SC24-6185. 

## Tape management 

Although the RMS functions do not include tape management system (TMS) services, such as inventory management and label verification, RMS functions are designed to interface with a TMS that can perform these functions. 

IBM Tape Manager for z/VM(5697-J08) can provide the TMS functions, including the management of one catalog of tape volsers across multiple z/VM LPARs. For more information and documentation, see the Tape Manager website. 

For more information about third-party TMSs that support the TS7700 in the z/VM environment, see IBM TotalStorage 3494 Tape Library: A Practical Guide to Tape Drives and Tape Automation , SG24-4632. 

