Common Misconceptions and FAQs

FAQs
Can I read my tapes on another Q³ or just the one that they were written on?
Why does it say that the Q³ compresses the data? My tape drive already has compression.
What feature cards does the Q³ work with?
What tape drives are supported on the Q³?
Can I use more than one drive behind the Q³?
Can we still use our tape drive as an alternate IPL device?
What software do I need on the iSeries to use the Q³?
How do I handle a disaster recovery situation when using Q³?
Can I have more than one key?
We are running TSM. Will we need a special license to use the Q³ with it?
Why does encryption change the throughput?
Do we need to re-IPL the iSeries in order to install the Q³?
Can I re-use the tapes I'm already using or do I need to order new ones to use with the Q³?
I get unencrypted data on tapes from a supplier. Can I read them with the Q³ installed or do I need to un-install it first?
I see the standard unit is configured and installed via a serial port. Is there any way to do this across the LAN?
I am using BRMS. Can the Q³ be used under BRMS?
We have other non-iSeries systems. Can the Q3 be used on them or is it only for the iSeries?
If my Q³ is stolen along with the drive and tapes, doesn't that mean that the thief has both the tape and the means to read them?
We already have a corporate key management system. Can the Q³ be integrated into this?
Do I need to rack mount the unit?
What connectors are used on the Q3?
We presently have a differential tape drive but are soon moving to a newer system with LVD SCSI tapes. Is there a replacement policy to help me make this move?
Will the Q³ work with my autoloader?

Misconceptions
iSeries tapes don’t need an iSeries to read them.
Couriers like Iron Mountain are accountable for data privacy
Data privacy is only an issue for banks and healthcare
Old Backup Data is Worthless
Encryption will add time to the backup procedures
Data on tape needs "Special" software to be able to read it
 

Can I read my tapes on another Q³ or just the one that they were written on?
As long as they have the same soft and hard keys, then your tapes can be read. Only your company will have your hard keys however.

Why does it say that the Q³ compresses the data? My tape drive already has compression.
Once the data has been encrypted it is random and hence the drive will be unable to compress the data. The Q³ compresses the data before it is encrypted.

What feature cards does the Q³ work with?
They work with all iSeries SCSI and Fibre adapters. Please contact 10ZiG if you have a specific question on interfaces.

What tape drives are supported on the Q³?
All standard iSeries tape drives are supported, plus most non-iSeries tape drives.

Can I use more than one drive behind the Q³?
The normal versions of the Q3 only support a single drive. Please contact 10ZiG for details on multiple drive support options.

Can we still use our tape drive as an alternate IPL device?
Yes, because of the transparency of the Q3 it can be used for alternate IPL from tape.

What software do I need on the iSeries to use the Q³?
There is no additional software or PTF's required to run the Q³. Q³ will work with all standard backup software.

How do I handle a disaster recovery situation when using Q³?
With the Q³ the DR operation is quite straightforward. The Q³ is fitted between the drive and the system, the keys are entered and the restore is performed in the normal manner. It is of course recommended that this procedure is tested regularly as part of your DR procedures.

Can I have more than one key?
The Q³ has a two user key requirement to allow them to be held by two different groups to ensure good security. The third key is the hardware key which is unique to each customer.

We are running TSM. Will we need a special license to use the Q³ with it?
No. The Q³ is transparent, so the software does not see any difference when the tape drive is connected via the Q³ either in encrypted or pass through mode.

Why does encryption change the throughput?
Because encrypted data cannot be compressed the Q³ will pre-compress the data and hence the block length will also be changed. This can affect the drives throughput.

Do we need to re-IPL the iSeries in order to install the Q³?
No. Installation is very quick and easy, simply vary off the device, power it off, cable the Q³ between the iSeries and the tape drive, power on the drive, power on the Q³ and then vary on the drive.

Can I re-use the tapes I'm already using or do I need to order new ones to use with the Q³?
Yes, you can use your existing tapes. All that is needed is to INZTAP them the first time they are used.

I get unencrypted data on tapes from a supplier. Can I read them with the Q³ installed or do I need to un-install it first?
The Q³ can be set to pass through to enable clear text tapes to be read and written. This requires a password and is recorded in a journal.

I see the standard unit is configured and installed via a serial port. Is there any way to do this across the LAN?
Yes. There is an optional LAN interface available that works with the standard GUI.

I am using BRMS. Can the Q³ be used under BRMS?
Because the Q³ is transparent to the system, BRMS or any other software package works fine with the Q³.

We have other non-iSeries systems. Can the Q³ be used on them or is it only for the iSeries?
The Q³ is designed to work on all platforms.

If my Q³ is stolen along with the drive and tapes, doesn't that mean that the thief has both the tape and the means to read them?
No. The Q³ will erase the keys within five minutes of the power being removed.

We already have a corporate key management system. Can the Q³ be integrated into this?
Yes. Because of the non-prescriptive approach Q³ can integrate into other key management systems.

Do I need to rack mount the unit?
The Q³ comes in a 1U rack mount unit but it is also suitable for tabletop use.

What connectors are used on the Q³?
The Q³ SCSI units have standard 68 way MicroD connectors.

We presently have a differential tape drive but are soon moving to a newer system with LVD SCSI tapes. Is there a replacement policy to help me make this move?
The Q³ HVD (differential) interfaced units can be upgraded in the field to LVD interfaces.

Will the Q³ work with my autoloader?
Yes. The Q³ supports all autoloaders both with separate SCSI ID’s and those using a second LUN to control the autoloaders. No changes or special configuration is required.

iSeries tapes don’t need an iSeries to read them.
Backup tapes from iSeries shops can be read as easily as any other type of backup tape. An iSeries is not needed to read the data.

Couriers like Iron Mountain are accountable for data privacy
Couriers are not responsible for the data that they transport. Iron Mountain, CEO, Richard Reese - “… even Iron Mountain is not immune from human error. The only effective means to prevent unauthorized access to data is the use of encryption.“

Data privacy is only an issue for banks and healthcare
There are regulations that involve all verticals. California Senate Bill 1386 requires that companies notify customers if their personal data has been compromised. This can be something as simple as a lost backup tape. Regulations shouldn’t be your only concern. If a tape is stolen and the data is used, that could be catastrophic to your company’s reputation and could cost millions of dollars.

Old Backup Data is Worthless
Most companies believe that because backup data contains old information it is useless to them and only used for backup recovery therefore not many companies worry about protecting that data. But how often is your social security number changed? Or how about your address or credit card numbers? The information on your backup tapes are useful to many people - like thieves and your competition. Even if your backup data is lost, your company could be fined and it will affect your company's reputation. Protection of your backup data is essential.

Encryption will add time to the backup procedures
Encryption doesn't always have to affect your network and backup procedures. Q³ from 10ZiG installs in minutes and has no effect on your current backup procedures. Using Q³ with older technology tapes such as DLT, DDS and LTO-1 may even increase the speed.

Data on tape needs "Special" software to be able to read it
Data stored on tape in cleartext can be read by pretty much anyone. No special software is required. It can be read as easy as it is to recover your tape backup.

For more information please contact us at 866-865-5250 or