Quantum Makes LTO-9 Drives Available for Scalar Tape Libraries

Quantum Corp. announced that LTO Ultrium format gen 9 technology will be available in its Scalar i6 and Scalar i6000 tape libraries, and StorNext AEL archive systems beginning in December 2020.

Quantum Scalar

By combining the high capacity of LTO-9 tape technology with Scalar tape libraries, customers can have tape automation solutions available to cope with the growth of unstructured data.

The new LTO-9 delivers 18TB of native capacity per cartridge (up to 45TB with compression of 2.5:1), extending tape’s value for low-cost and efficient storage. The combination of LTO-9 tape with Scalar tape libraries creates a standard for addressing customer’s data security and capacity demands.

By leveraging the Active Vault feature and multi-factor authentication (MFA) available in Scalar tape libraries, organizations are protected vs. ransomware attacks and other security risks by creating an offline, true “air-gap“.

“Modern tape is nothing like tape of the past. The arrival of many rich tape technology improvements such as LTO-9 sets the stage for tape to be the most cost-effective storage solution for the enormous high capacity and archival challenges that lie ahead,” noted Fred Moore, president, Horison Information Strategies. “Tape momentum should increase as data growth continues on an explosive path across many new applications and workloads, and in most of the largest hyperscale data centers.“

“It’s important to recognize how Quantum tape libraries build on the value of the LTO-9 standard to lead the market for preserving and protecting data,” said Bruno Hald, VP and GM, secondary storage, Quantum. “LTO-9’s capacity, density and performance complement Scalar tape library capabilities to archive data securely and reliably, with minimal management. This combination equips our customers to manage the deluge of unstructured data being generated by video, hi-resolution images, scientific research and other sources.“

Quantum will begin taking orders for LTO-9 technology in September and currently offers the LTO-9 pre-purchase program. LTO-9 will be available with Scalar i3, Scalar i500, SuperLoader 3 and stand-alone drives beginning in 1Q21.