Tandberg HH FC LTO-5 Drive Connects to Mac Through Thunderbolt

Tandberg Data announced a solution that allows its LTO-5 HH FC tape drive to connect to a Mac by using its Thunderbolt port along with PROMISE SANLink to provide users with high-performance LTO tape storage.

The solution is compatible with Thunderbolt technology that ships on the new MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Air. Mac users can store HD video and workflow applications directly to LTO tape using Thunderbolt technology. With this solution, Mac users can store up to 3TB (Compression ratio of 2:1) of data in less than three hours on a single $69 LTO-5 cartridge.

Tandberg Data and PROMISE Technology, Inc. have tested and certified the solution to ensure compatibility to the user. SANLink provides a dual 4Gbps FC link that can be used to connect to external FC storage. Each adapter features full-duplex capable FC ports that automatically detect connection speed and can each independently operate at 1, 2 or 4Gbps.

Tandberg Data’s LTO-5 tape drives store up to 3TB (with 2.1 compression) per cartridge. Capable of data transfer rates of up to 280MB/sec, it dynamically and continuously adjusts the speed of the drive to keep drives streaming. This maximizes performance and reduces start/stops, which increases the reliability of drives and media. Tandberg Data also supports LTFS (Linear Tape File System), which allows the tape drive to operate like a hard disk with direct access without the need for tape backup software. The solution is also compatible with all major backup software packages.

"We are very pleased to be able to partner with Tandberg Data by certifying SANLink with their LTO-5 HH FC desktop tape drive," said Venkat Ramakrishnan, Director of Products, PROMISE Technology. "This certification is another positive example of our ongoing dedication to improving workflows for creative professionals. Partnering with industry leaders like Tandberg Data allows us to address the compelling economics of today’s markets while developing industry-leading solutions that help media and entertainment professionals manage their digital assets."

"Tandberg Data has been supplying tape solutions to the Mac market for decades," said Marije Gould, Vice President of Marketing at Tandberg Data. "The introduction of the LTO-5 half-height desktop drive with FC, together with the certification with the PROMISE SANLink, will provide Mac users with a fast and cost-effective way of storing terabytes of data for archiving purposes or for demanding workflow applications."

Tandberg Data LTO-5 HH FC external tape drive
features with PROMISE SANLink:

Capacity of 1.5TB / 3TB (native/compressed)
Performance up to 1TB/hr (compressed)
8Gb FC connectivity
Thunderbolt connectivity with PROMISE SANLink
Low media cost
Low power consumption: 6.9 W (sleeping mode) and 20 W (operating mode)
Enterprise features and performance in a small desktop form factor
WORM and Encryption (AES 256-bit)
LTFS (Linear Tape File System) for Mac and Linux
Future-proof with eight-generation roadmap
Data speed matching reduces mechanical wear and extends tape life
MTBF of 250,000 hrs at 100% duty cycle
30-year archival life
Three years Advanced Replacement Service Warranty

Availability
Tandberg Data LTO-5 HH FC external tape drives and LTO-5 media are available through established channel of distributor and reseller partners. MSRP pricing for the LTO-5 HH FC external tape drive is $3,395.00, and MSRP pricing for LTO-5 media is $69.00. All Tandberg Data LTO-5 HH FC tape drives come with a three-year warranty and Advanced Replacement Service.

The PROMISE SANlink is available through PROMISE’s network of distributor and reseller partners and from the Apple Store and Apple Authorized Resellers. SANlink is available for $799.