Tape drive support in ESXi 5

[CSHAW78]

Have VMware removed support for attaching a tape drive to an ESXi host and running a vm with the tape drive configured ?   http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&docTypeID=DT_KB_1_1&e...

[Virtualinfra]

ESXi does not support FC-connected tape devices.

SCSI tape drives are supported in the KB 1016407 look at below feilds

"

The functionality of the tape library and the backup software in conjunction with VMware ESX is partner-supported. VMware assumes that the third-party vendor has completed necessary validation to support this configuration in a production environment.

In the event that a problem is found, VMware recommends opening asupport request directly with the third-party or partner vendor's support organization. VMware collaborates with other vendors via Technical Support Alliance Network (TSANet) or Cooperative Support Agreement (CSA)."

Also as per the KB2007904

The functionality of the tape library and the backup software in conjunction with VMware ESX/ESXi is partner supported.

Note: VMware assumes that the third party vendor has done the necessary validation to support this configuration in a production environment. In the event that a problem is found, customers are advised to open support requests directly with the third-party vendor's support organization. VMware collaborates with third-party vendors via Technical Support Alliance Network (TSANet) or Cooperative Support Agreement (CSA).

It means vendor has to support incase of any issue with connecting tape drives connected to ESXi 5.

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[CSHAW78]

Thanks but KB1016407 as referenced above states that   Note: VMware does not support tape drives that are connected to ESXi 5.0 hosts. For more information, see the ESXi 5.0 Release Notes.  Also KB1016407 does not cover ESXi 5 (it's not in the product list anyway)  Why has this changed from ESXi 4 which did support tape drives connected to ESXi hosts ? Are VMware say the tape drives are not supported or that you just need to find support from your 3rd party vendors ?   Thanks for your help

[Virtualinfra · Accepted solution]

The functionality of the tape library and the backup software in conjunction with VMware ESX/ESXi is partner supported.

Vmware ESXi supports scsi tape drive but its has to supported and validated by Vendor, VMware doesnt validate it.

If you look at the KB its say like this and if you look at the guide "vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-50-storage-guide" page 35 its says that FC connected taper drives are not supported but scsi connected tape drives are still supported.

For information, i would suggest you to open a request and deal with VMware.

[CSHAW78]

Thanks for you help .. Just think the wording could be a little better..