Backup Exec (BE) provides support for Amazon Virtual Tape Library (VTL). The support of the Amazon VTL is similar to the other VTL’s on the Backup Exec Hardware Compatibility List. 

From an administrative perspective, Backup Exec™  interacts with the Amazon Storage Gateway – VTL in the same way as other virtual or physical tape devices. The combination of Backup Exec™ and the Amazon Storage Gateway – VTL technology allows customers, even those currently using tape-based backup infrastructures, to seamlessly transition to cloud storage as an effective way to protect their critical IT assets against disaster. For more details, please see Amazon AWS Documentation.

Licensing Considerations

Amazon currently allows up to 10 drives on the AWS Storage Gateway – VTL. Using multiple drives allows concurrent operations such as simultaneous backup and restore. Please review the Backup Exec Licensing to determine if any additional license requirements are needed. Backup Exec Licensing Links

For any VTL to work with the correct Backup Exec license, it must show in BE with a BLUE icon (Figure 1). Devices in GREY icons (Figure 2) are seen as physical, BLUE is virtual. In order for the device to be seen as BLUE-Virtual, the Inquire string of the device must match what is listed in the HCL.

For any VTL to work with a VUDO license it must show in BE with a BLUE icon (Figure 1). Devices in GREY icons (Figure 2) are seen as physical, BLUE is virtual. In order for the device to be seen as BLUE-Virtual, the Inquire string of the device must match what is listed in the HCL.

Figure 1:

Physical - GREY Tape Libraries with more than 1 drive will need a LEO license for each additional drive.

Figure 2:

For information on how to configure AWS VTL Gateway and AWS Pricing:

Testing Your Setup by Using Veritas Backup Exec

AWS Storage Gateway pricing

Please note that this article references sites not owned or maintained by Veritas and, as such, Veritas is not responsible for the content portrayed on such sites, including any revisions to or deletions of content or third-party software on which this article relies. User is responsible for conducting all necessary due diligence prior to following the instructions described in this article.