Understanding support for tape devices with VMware ESXi and VMware ESX

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article provides information on VMware support statement for tape drives and devices.

 

For more information, see Understanding support for serial devices with ESX (1023115).

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 6.7
VMware vSphere ESXi 6.0
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Embedded
VMware ESXi 4.1.x Embedded
VMware vSphere ESXi 6.5
VMware vSphere ESXi 5.5
VMware ESXi 3.5.x Installable
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Installable
VMware vSphere ESXi 5.0
VMware ESXi 3.5.x Embedded
VMware vSphere ESXi 5.1
VMware ESXi 4.1.x Installable

Resolution

The functionality of the tape devices and the backup software in conjunction with VMware ESXi/ESX are 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).
• As per the vSphere 5.x Release Notes, VMware does not support Tape Drives connected directly to ESXi 5.x. and later.

Additional Information

Configuring tape drives and media changers on ESX 3.x
Configuring vendor-supported tape drives and media changers on VMware ESX/ESXi 4.x/5.x
Understanding support for serial devices with ESX
Tape device incorrectly detected as ALUA device on ESXi/ESX hosts
VMware ESXi および VMware ESX でのテープ デバイスのサポートについて