Tape drives and data cartridges are for businesses that need to archive data or run large backups. The category covers tape drives and cartridges, mostly from HPE, along with products from Quantum, IBM, Dell and Lenovo.
How to choose a tape drive and cartridges
LTO generation and capacity. The newer the LTO generation, the more data fits on one cartridge and the faster it is written. An LTO-7 cartridge holds 6 TB of uncompressed data, LTO-8 holds 12 TB and LTO-9 holds 18 TB. Work out how much data you need to back up, then calculate how many cartridges that requires.
Type of device. An internal tape drive is fitted inside a server, an external one sits next to it and connects by cable, and a tape library changes cartridges automatically. If your backups fit on one or two cartridges, a single drive is enough. A library makes sense when the volume is large and you do not want to swap cartridges by hand.
Interface and compatibility. Most current LTO drives connect through SAS, and larger systems often use Fibre Channel. Check that your server has a suitable controller and that your backup software supports the model you choose.
Compatibility between generations. A drive normally reads and writes cartridges of its own generation and the one before, and some read older ones as well. If you have an archive of older tapes, look at the manufacturer's compatibility table before buying.
Encryption and WORM. LTO-4 and later drives support hardware AES 256-bit encryption. WORM cartridges cannot be overwritten once data is written, which matters when an archive has to be kept for legal reasons.
Brands we carry
- HPE: the StoreEver range of tape drives and libraries, which makes up most of this category.
- Quantum: a manufacturer best known for tape libraries and data archiving systems.
- IBM: co-developed the LTO standard with other companies, and its Ultrium drives are used in many servers.
- Dell, Lenovo: server makers whose tape drives are mostly intended for use with their own servers.
When choosing by brand, first check which LTO generation a particular model supports.
Frequently asked questions
How does a tape drive differ from an external hard drive?
A tape drive writes data to removable cartridges that can be stored away from the computer. Cartridges suit long-term archiving because they sit powered off and have no spinning parts to wear out. Access to individual files is slower than from a disk, so tape is used for archives rather than daily work.
How much data fits on an LTO cartridge?
It depends on the LTO generation. An LTO-7 cartridge holds 6 TB of uncompressed data, LTO-8 holds 12 TB and LTO-9 holds 18 TB. With compression more can fit, but the result depends on the type of files.
Will a newer drive read old cartridges?
Usually yes, but only a limited number of generations back. An LTO drive normally reads and writes its own generation and the previous one, and some read older ones as well. The exact list is in the manufacturer's specification for the model.
How should data cartridges be stored?
Keep cartridges in their original cases in a cool, dry room, away from strong magnetic fields. Store them upright so the tape does not deform. Properly stored cartridges keep data for many years, but it is worth testing now and then that they can still be read.
