Linux Compatible For BackupTDCP Project Goals

This program is designed to test and certify a vendor's tape backup hardware against a known set of parameters to ensure compatibility for use on Linux and FreeBSD. The test results are then posted in the devices section of this site.

The certification program provides tests for three levels of certification:

All devices are tested under a set of general Linux tools, affording a common test environment across tape device technologies. These classifications build on the previous one, and are achieved incrementally, depending on the capabilities of the device being tested.

There is no relationship between TOLIS' BRU data backup and recovery products and the program test scripts.

What Do These Compatibility Levels Mean?

Basic Compatibility (L1) - this level indicates that a user will be able to write data, read data, rewind media, retention media (where required), erase media, append data, and seek to a specified file save set on tape.

Enhanced Compatibility (L2) - this level adds the requirements of supporting logical block positioning and variable block sizes as well as properly returning information regarding LEOT, LBOT and other recommended condition reporting defined in the general specifications for the device type.

Extended Functional Compatibility (L3) - this level adds the functional tests required for proper operation of robotics, or loader, mechanisms, multiple drive enclosures, secure erase, partitioning, and other features and functions that do not meet the requirements of the first two levels of certification.

Other Compatibility Considerations

In addition to the general levels mentioned above, TOLIS Group will also extend the certification levels to include specific Linux platforms, including Intel, Alpha, SPARC, PowerPC, MIPS, ARM, and others as a need is demonstrated. Therefore, a device could receive Enhanced Certification on one Linux platform, but only receive Basic Certification on others.

Once certification is complete. The vendor's device and company information will be added to a certification database, which will be available via the web and published in leading Linux publications.

How Do I Get My Company's Device(s) Certified?

Contact The TOLIS Group's certification center by e-mail or by phone at 480.505.0488. We require that each vendor provide a minimum of two (2) of each device that they want certified (to ensure that we don't receive a bad unit) along with a minimum of five (5) pieces of media and one (1) cleaning tape appropriate for each device type. Additionally, full interface and command specifications as well as technical specifications for specialized access requirements must be provided. These documents may be in printed or electronic forms (Adobe PDF format preferred).

One exception to the number of units required is where a robotics based autoloader or library is to be certified. As long as the internal backup device has already been certified at the Enhanced Certification level or higher, we only require a single enclosure for the certification process.

What If A Device Driver Needs To Be Written?

In the event that driver development is required, TOLIS Group will expect the device manufacturer to provide access to appropriate internal engineering members to enable the development of the new device driver. TOLIS Group will either provide the primary engineering or an appropriate Linux developer will be contacted to work with TOLIS Group and the vendor to ensure that the device driver is designed and implemented properly.

Once the driver is complete, the device shall be processed through certification as described above, so it is very important that the vendor make all necessary device information available during the driver development process.

The resulting driver will then be placed into copyright under an Open Source license and source will be made available to the public under this license, as part of the standard Linux kernel.

How Long Does The Process Take?

Generally, a full test suite for Basic Certification will require less than 30 days. Of course, this will be dependent on the lab load and resolution of any problems that arise during the certification process. Each device tested will be tested to the highest certification level possible for that device.

Also, certification schedules may be adjusted based upon lab loads and other external influences. TOLIS Group will keep the vendors apprised if such a situation should arise.

What Does This Certification Cost?

There is no cost. TOLIS Group provides this program as a community service in order to ensure that proper support for backup devices is available under Linux and FreeBSD, and to provide a site for people configuring systems to identify tape devices that are compatible with Linux/FreeBSD.

In exchange, the vendor receiving approval is requested to display the cert logo on the marketing literature of the approved device, reference the approval on their respective Web sites, and provide a link to the Tape Device Certification Program site.

The TOLIS Group will also utilize our recognition in the Linux/FreeBSD market to make announcements concerning the newly certified devices.

About TOLIS Group, Inc's. role in the TDCP

Our intent is simply to contribute back to the Linux/BSD community by providing a mechanism that ensures the compatibility of various backup hardware manufacturers' products with the Linux/BSD operating systems. Once the certification process begins, all test results and processes will be posted at the TapeCert.org site.

The "Linux Compatible For Backup" logo was created and provided by Electric Bill Communications - keepers of the Penguin and providers of electrifying Linux marketing by design.

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