Is there a plan to provide support fro LTO-9?
Yes, LTO-9 support will be coming bundled into a future version of ONTAP, and into the ONTAP TCF for older versions in the near future.
If you have an immediate requirement for support of an LTO-9 drive at this time, please lodge a support case, referencing BURT 1466580 and asking for an updated TCF supporting that drive.
If you have no luck with that, please let me know the case number and I will follow up.
@VMH,
As mention by @AlexDawson, you can reference Bug 1466580 if you open a support case. Also here are some additional links that may help.
KB: Is IBM ULT3580-HH9 tape supported with ONTAP
Also information on using non-qualified tape drives. Please let us know if you have any follow up questions.
Thanks,
Brad
