Add Tape Library to Virtual Machine Veeam Server

[SerSunal]

My question is if you can add a Tape Library to a Veeam Server that is a VM

[Regnor]

There is not supported way to directly access tape hardware from jbside a virtual machine. You'll need to use a physical tape proxy for this task.

[Dima P.]

Hi folks,

Max, that's not correct: we decided to change the policy around tape libraries connected to ESXi, customers can use such setup without any issues and we will provide support from software perspective. If any hardware specific issues arise - customers need to get in touch with tape library vendor for troubleshooting.

In the Help Center: Supported Devices and Configuration. Thanks!

[Regnor]

Hi Dima, I didn't know about that, but still wouldn't go that way. VMware doesn't support it and you would also need to check with the tape vendors. At the end there's a high potential of finger pointing between vendors and a possibly not supported configuration.

[SerSunal]

I consult, a possible solution could be to give the role of tape server to a windows machine that acts as a repository and that at the same time has the tape library physically connected, and so Veeam can have visibility of the tape library and be able to use it?

[Regnor]

Yes that's absolutely possible. If you already have a physical server then I would also use it to access the tape library.

[TaylorB]

I consult, a possible solution could be to give the role of tape server to a windows machine that acts as a repository and that at the same time has the tape library physically connected, and so Veeam can have visibility of the tape library and be able to use it?

That is exactly what we have done. We connect the tape library via SAS connections to a server that acts as both a windows repository and a Veeam tape server. Works great.

Just make sure your backup has enough spare CPU and RAM. Check the system requirements for the Tape Server in the user guide and then add that on to what you already need for the Repository role. And of course you will need a physical HBA (usually 1 port per tape in the library) to connect the tape library to the tape server.

[Dima P.]

Max,

Can say that such setup is quite popular is our labs and we've never had any hardware issues. That was the reason why we've adjusted the official support statement and will help/investigate all the problems for such customers but if our support detects that the issue is on the hardware stack, they can ask to raise a case with the tape vendor. Thanks!