IBM Tape Storage TS3500 Tape Library
The IBM TS3500 Tape Library (3584) is an established enterprise modular automated tape system that anchored data center backup operations for over a decade. Expanding across multiple frames to hold thousands of LTO or 3592 enterprise cartridges, it featured dual active robotic accessors, Fibre Channel interfaces, and integration with IBM Spectrum Protect.
Specifications
| Brand | IBM |
|---|---|
| Family | Tape Storage |
| Form factor | modular enterprise library |
| Released | May 2004 |
| End of sale | Dec 2016 |
| End of support | Dec 2021 |
| Form factor | Modular enterprise library (1 to 16 frames) |
| Cartridge capacity | Up to 20,000 cartridges |
| Drive support | Up to 192 drives (LTO / 3592) |
| Host interfaces | 8Gb/4Gb FC |
| Max capacity | Multi-petabyte archival scale |
Generations
- Next generation: IBM Tape Storage TS4500 Tape Library
Works together
How the IBM Tape Storage TS3500 Tape Library connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
IBM Power System S922 2U rack
IBM Power System S924 4U rack
IBM Power System S1022 2U rack
IBM Power System S1024 4U rack
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen12 1U rack
HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen12 2U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Switches
Brocade Extension 7840 2U
Brocade 6500 Series 6510 1U
Cisco Nexus 5548UP 1U fixed switch
Cisco Nexus 5596UP 2U fixed switch
Optics
57-1000262-01 Brocade 16G FC SFP+ ELWL 25 km
57-1000333-01 Brocade 32G FC SFP+ SWL
57-1000487-01 Brocade 16G FC SFP+ SWL
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- What an hour of downtime costs outagecost.org
Check compatibility with IBM
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that IBM has tested with the IBM Tape Storage TS3500 Tape Library.
- Compatibility IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC)
- Specifications IBM Documentation
- Support IBM Support
Equivalent models from other brands
- HPE StoreEver MSL6480 Tape Library · compare
- HPE StoreEver MSL4048 Tape Library · compare
- Dell PowerVault TL4000 · compare
FAQ
What was the dual gripper feature in the TS3500?
The robotic accessor included dual cartridge pickers to perform cartridge swap operations in a single robotic pass, doubling library exchange rates.
What replaced the TS3500?
The IBM TS4500 Tape Library succeeded the TS3500, offering higher cartridge density and modern management firmware.
Buying or selling TS3500 Tape Library?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- IBM TS3500 Tape Library Datasheet, checked 2026-10-28