Active Circle Supports LTFS

Active Circle SA announces support for LTFS as a data exchange format for LTO tapes.

LTFS is a format which is supported by tape drive manufacturers adhering to the LTO Ultrium standard since LTO version 5. It offers the advantage of storing both data and the file index of the data on tape.

An LTFS tape can be read independently of the storage system, and it offers a file system view of the files on the tape, similar to a USB key. The LTFS drivers of an OS can read the file index and provide copying, moving and deletion functionality, as well as drag-and-drop capability in the user interface.

The LTFS format is supported starting in version 4.0.2 of the Active Circle storage and archiving system. With this version, users can use the Active Circle File Explorer to select data on a share and create an LTO tape in LTFS format containing the data. The data can be selected independently of physical location – be it disk or tape.

"We have supported the Posix TAR format for ten years, which guarantees the longevity and the readability of the data independently of Active Circle. LTFS was therefore a logical addition, as the format is being used by our customers in the media, science and imaging sectors," says Philippe Motet, CTO of Active Circle.