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LTO Type M Tapes

The Best Solution for the LTO 8 Tape Shortage

Do you Have an LTO 8 tape drive but can’t find any LTO 8 Tapes!  You are not alone.  A patent infringement lawsuit between Sony and FujiFilm has temporarily stopped the import of all LTO 8 tapes into the United States.  There is a solution that will help you!  LTO 7 Type M Media/Tapes.

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The LTO Program has introduced a new capability for LTO-8 drives: The ability of an LTO-8 drive to write and read 9 TB (or up to 22.5TB compressed @ 2.5:1) on a brand new LTO-7 tape cartridge instead of the 6 TB specified by the LTO-7 format.   This LTO 7 tape is known as LTO-7 Type M media and it has a barcode label with a M8 Media Identifier.    Type M cartridges can only be initialized in libraries or autoloaders.  Although standalone LTO-8 drives cannot initialize Type M cartridges, they can read and write LTO-7 Type M cartridges that have been initialized in a library or autoloader.

Information about LTO 7 Type M Media

  • LTO 7Type M Media can only be created from new, unused LTO-7 media. Only new,unused LTO-7 cartridges may be initialized as LTO-7 Type M. Once a cartridge is initialized as Type M it may not be changed back to a standard LTO-7 cartridge.
  • Can only initialized by an LTO-8 tape library or autoloader.  LTO-7 Type M cartridges can only initialized as Type M in an LTO-8 drive within a tape library that has been configured to initialize cartridges with a M8 bar code to Type M.  
  • Will not be compatible with LTO-9 Drives. There is no commitment by the LTO manufacturers to support LTO-7 Type M media in LTO-9 drives. If LTO-9 backward compatibility is required, then only new LTO-8 12 TB native media should be utilized.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What’s the difference between standard LTO-7 and LTO-7 Type M media?

Answer: LTO-7 Type M media is created from standard LTO-7 read/write media during the initialization process. This process sets up different information in the cartridge memory and allows an LTO-8 drive to write 50% more tracks than on standard LTO-7 cartridges.

The data is written at the same linear density as LTO-7. The LTO-8 drive has narrower read heads than LTO-7, so it is able to read the resulting narrower tracks. However, the read heads in the LTO-7 drive are too wide to read these narrow tracks. The bar code label ending in “M8” is used to give a visual difference between the two cartridges.

An LTO-7 Type M cartridge also has a unique density code in the cartridge memory. Software that has enabled Type M cartridges uses this density code to identify the cartridge and correctly deal with the amount of data that can be written to it. The Appendix contains a table of possible states of cartridges correctly and incorrectly labeled.

Question: What is an LTO 7 tape cartridge initialized as LTO-7 Type M media?

Answer:  LTO-7 Type M media is a standard LTO Ultrium 7 tape that has been labeled with a barcode label ending with the last 2 characters “M8” and initialized in an LTO 8 library autoloader at the higher Type M density. This LTO-7 Type M tape media will have 9TB native capacity or up to 22.5TB (compressed @ 2.5:1).

HPE LTO 7 Type M Tape with M8 barcode label

Q: When is LTO-7 Type M media initialized?

Answer: LTO 7 Tape Media can be purchased as pre-initialized LTO-7 Type M media or as un-initialized LT0-7 media. Un-initialized LTO-7 media can be initialized as LTO-7 Type M media by applying an “M8” barcode label and writing data to the media in a tape library or autoloader that supports un-initialized LTO-7 Type M media.

Q: Is LTO-7 Type M media interchangeable among different LTO-8 manufacture’s drives?

Answer: Yes, LTO-7 Type M tape media behaves exactly as standard cartridges in terms of vendor compatibility. Irrespective of the drive manufacturer that initializes the cartridge, an LTO-7 Type M media can be used in any other LTO-8 drive manufacturer.

Question: Can previously used LTO-7 media be converted to LTO-7 Type M media?

Answer: No, the LTO-7 Type M media can only be created with new, un-initialized media.

Question: Do all LTO-8 tape library products support LTO-7 Type M media?

Answer: This depends on the LTO-8 tape library vendor. Please consult your product documentation.

Question: Do all LTO-8 standalone tape drives (i.e. not installed in a library) support previously initialized LTO-7 Type M media?

Answer: Yes. However, keep in mind that if you insert an LTO 7 Tape that has not been initialized as Type M Media into a standalone LTO-8 tape drive, it will initialize the new, un-initialized LTO-7 media as LTO-7 Type A media (6 TB native) regardless of the barcode label that is applied.

Question. Can I initialize Type M media in a standalone drive?

Answer: No, you cannot initialize Type M media in standalone drives. LTO-7 Type M cartridges must be initialized in a library that supports LTO-7 Type M. The library makes the decision on the type of cartridge based upon the cartridge bar code – if the last two characters are “M8” it will be initialized as Type M, otherwise it will be initialized as a normal LTO-7 cartridge.

Question: What happens if an LTO-7 Type M media is loaded into an LTO-7 tape drive?

Answer: The drive will post an error message indicating that the cartridge format is incompatible and will not thread the media. In other words, an LTO-7 tape drive will not be able to load an LTO-7 Type M media.

Question: Will LTO-9 tape drives be backward compatible with LTO-7 Type M media?

Answer: No. Only LT0-8 Drives will be capable of reading LTO-7 media initialized as LTO-7 Type M media. If backward read in LTO-9 drives is required LTO-8 media should be used instead.

Question: Will LTO-7 Type M media support LTO format existing features?

Answer: Yes, LTO-7 Type M media will support existing LTO format features including data compression, encryption and partitioning enabling LTFS. LTO-7 Type M media will not be supported on WORM cartridges.


LTFS: As Easy As Drag And Drop For LTO Tapes

LFTS-Logo from QuantumWhat is LTFS
Linear Tape File System (LTFS) allows you to use an LTO 5, LTO 6 or higher generation drive as if it were an external hard drive or USB drive.  This provides users with traditional advantages of tape (reliability, longevity, portability and low cost) with a familiar interface providing users faster and easier direct access to files on data tape.  LTFS is an open standard developed by IBM that is cross-platform compatible (Windows, Mac, Linux).  You can save your data or project to tape, send it to a co-worker, customer, editor and, as long as they have the hardware and LTFS software, they can read it.

Cost Effective
If you are regularly using external hard drives as long term storage, LTO using LTFS may be cost effective.  A high quality 1TB USB 3.0 external hard drive costs about $120, or $120/TB, while an LTO 6 tape with a capacity of 2.5TB costs $44 or less than $18/TB.  Keep in mind, with LTO and LTFS you need to purchase an LTO 6 drive for about $2360* so the break even point is about 25 1TB external hard drives.  Prices are as of October 2014.

HP LTO 6  External Dive and HP LTO 6 Tape

HP LTO 6 External Dive
and HP LTO 6 Tape

To take advantage of LTFS you need three things:

  • An LTO 5, LTO 6 or future generation LTO tape drive
  • Free LTFS Software installed on your computer that allows your operating system to work with LTO tapes written in the LTFS format.  This software can be downloaded from the manufacturer of your LTO tape drive. Follow these links to download free LTFS software:    IBM,  HP,  Quantum,  Tandberg,  Storage Tek, Imation
  • An LTO 5 or LTO 6 Tape Cartridge

With this, you can now use the LTO Tape Drive and Tape just like an external hard drive or USB drive.

  • Files and directories show up on desktop as a directory tree listing
  • Use drag-and-drop to move files to and from LTFS tape
  • Supports faster data interchange between end users and systems

Think of the possibilities

The media and entertainment industry is utilizing LTFS tape to store, share and archive raw and master content.  Note: IBM and FOX Networks received an Engineering Emmy Award in 2011 for using LTFS to improve the ability of media companies to capture, manage and exploit content in digital form.

Some other uses for LTFS and LTO Tapes

  • Healthcare for storing high resolution images such as medical X-Rays or scans
  • Security Surveillance and Video Storage
  • Oil & Gas Exploration
  • Architectural drawings
  • Military: video backup and archive
  • Information archival for e-discovery purposes

LTFS Partition

LTFS Tape Partition
Source: Spectra Logic

Tape Partitioning
When you format an LTO tape for LTFS, the tape is split into two partitions:

  • One partition, the Index Partition (IP), is used to store information about the file structure, file names, file format, and other data elements that are indexed
  • The second partition, the Data Partition (DP), contains the actual files that are stored on the tape

When a tape is loaded into a tape drive, the complete file folder image is displayed. The file structure is pulled from the Index Partition, and the raw file content is accessed from the Data Partition.

Reliability
Unlike a hard drive that has heads and electronics, an LTO tape is a simple spool of tape with no moving parts. The read/write technology is in the tape drive and not in the cartridge. This means that an LTO tape has a better chance of surviving a disaster than a hard drive.  Additionally, LTO tape has an archival life of 30 years under proper conditions. Therefore, information stored on an LTO tape has a far greater chance of survival than information on a hard drive.

* HP StoreEver LTO-6 Ultrium 6250 SAS External Tape Drive


IMATION “MEDIA SECURE” RDX CARTRIDGES

Imation 1.5TB

Imation 1.5TB “Media Secure” RDX Cartridge

Imation RDX® MEDIA SECURE Cartridges
WITH CYBERSAFE™ PRO SECURITY TECHNOLOGY

Powerful Data Security is now Remarkably Easy.  If you are dealing with sensitive or regulated data that you need to share and transport, safeguard it with Imation RDX® Media Secure — the world’s first removable hard disk drive with built-in encryption technology.

Imation RDX Media Secure is the world’s first removable hard disk drive with built-in AES-256 data encryption. Keeping your valuable data secure is now much easier, thanks to Imation RDX® Media Secure with CyberSafe™ Pro security technology. The world’s first removable hard disk drive with built-in AES-256 data encryption, RDX Media Secure brings an unprecedented combination of enterprise-class security and “set it and forget it” convenience to Windows-based computers equipped with direct-attach RDX docking stations.

Part No. Description
29110 Imation RDX Cartridge Media Secure, 1.5TB
28941 Imation RDX Cartridge Media Secure, 1TB
28947 Imation RDX Cartridge Media Secure, 500GB
28948 Imation RDX Cartridge Media Secure, 320GB

Features and Benefits include:

Foolproof Encryption

  • Simple, one-time software installation. “Set it and forget it” for automatic encryption of all data written to the RDX media

Infrastructure Integration Ease

  • Can be used with existing direct-attach RDX docking station (internal or external), no new hardware required
  • Application-agnostic, doesn’t require specific backup software
  • Maintains RDX standard compatibility; functions as standard RDX cartridge if client software not installed on host computer

Secure Data Shuttling

  • Encryption features help ensure safe delivery of data to remote offices or customers
  • Rugged, shock-resistant RDX cartridge helps protect against damage that can occur during transport
  • Cryptographic erase feature instantly erases the encryption key to render data unintelligible for easy disposal and repurposing

Imation CyberSafe™ Pro Security Technology
A unique blend of on-board security technologies that ensures the safety, privacy and control of your digital content.

  • Encryption: On-board FIPS 140-2, Level 1 Validated Certification #347, 562, 819
  • Cryptographic Erase: Instantly erases the encryption key to render data unintelligible
  • Authentication and Identity Management: Helps guard against spoofing and ensures only authorized users have access rights to company information

Purpose-built to easily integrate into your existing infrastructure, RDX Media Secure requires no new hardware and allows you to use any backup program you like. Simply set up your password and you’re done. Encryption software is installed on your Windows server or workstation so encryption automatically takes place in the background, you will never have to think about it again.

With RDX Media Secure, the powerful government-grade security technology (AES-256 encryption with FIPS 140-2 Level 1 Certification*) is tied to the media, not your backup application. This ensures that even files copied to RDX Media Secure cartridges for data shuttling are always encrypted.


Turtle Waterproof LTO/DLT/3592 Tape Storage Case

Waterproof Case for your LTO, DLT, 3592 or T10K Tapes

We at TapeandMedia have been offering Perm-A-Store Turtle Case products for over 10 years. These cases have always been a very reliable, durable and more importantly a secure way to carry and store your LTO Data Cartridges.  This 549 Waterproof Tape 50 case can hold 52 LTO Tapes, 40 DLT Tapes or 52 3592 or T10000 (T10K) tapes.

The good people at Perm-A-Store have come out with a very cool product recently that not only protects your valuable LTO tapes, it keeps them Waterproof! The Turtle Case 549 waterproof tape storage and transport case is ATA (Airline Transportation Association) certified, waterproof, airtight protective transport case.

Below are the specifications for the Turtle 549 Waterproof Tape 50 Case:

Product ID: 07-549001

Airtight, waterproof and ATA certified. Debris resistant foam with slots to hold 52-LTO tapes, 40-DLT tapes, 52-3592 tapes or 52-T10000 (T10K) tapes.

  •  Double padlockable
  •  Impact resistant,  Crushproof and  Stackable
  •  Automatic pressure relief valve
  •  100% Stainless Steel Hardware
  •  Powerclaw latching system
  •  Softgrip folding handle
  •  Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects from the manufacturer

Dimensions:

Interior: 22.0″ x 18.0″ x 7.2″
Exterior: 25.1″ x 19.9″ x 8.8″
Weight: 10.6 lbs empty

Recommended accessories: TL5020 brass padlock (comes with 2 keys)……multiple locks may be keyed alike at no extra charge. Or choose a numbered plastic security seal (TSS500); minimum order is one bag of 50 seals.


Sony EDM2600C

Sony Increasing Prices on Magneto Optical Disk

We have learned that Sony is increasing prices on Sony Magneto Optical Disk by 10% on April 1st, 2013.  This price increase is due to lower demand and therefore higher per disk production cost.

Magneto Optical (MO) Disk are recorded using both an a magnetic field and an optical laser.  The laser heats up the disk and the magnetic field is changed when the spot heated by the laser is approximately 390 degrees F.  MO disk are used in a variety of storage and archival applications.  These include, large disk libraries, medical imaging , document filing and many other applications that require stable long term storage.    Sony offers both re-writable MO disk and WORM (write once read many) MO disk.

Sony 5.2GB Magneto Optical Disk - EDM-5200C

Sony 5.2GB Magneto Optical Disk – EDM-5200C

Magneto Optical disks are housed in protective removable cartridges.  Because changing the magnetic fields can only be changed at high temperatures, the data on the MO disk cannot be accidentally erased.   MO disk are capable of up to a million rewrites and data access times are less than 25ms – faster than CD-RWs and DVD-RAMs

Because the magnetic fields cannot be changed at normal temperatures, the data cannot be accidentally erased by random magnetic fields.  Additionally, unlike magnetic tape, hard drives and other magnetic media, the recording head never contacts the disk so there is no potential damage from a head crash or wear and tear on the disk surface.  Testing has shown MO disk to have an estimated archival life of greater than 50 years.

Current MO disk storage capacities range from 2.3 GB up to 9.1 GB,


RDX 1.5 TB Cartridge

1.5TB RDX Cartridges Now Available

Imation and Hewlett Packard have introduced 1.5 TB RDX Cartridges for RDX and RD1000 Removable Hard Disc Systems. RDX Removable Hard Disk Storage Systems are designed to streamline your data backup and ensure a high level of security. Its enterprise-class features provide value data protection of large IT data centers, so it can support your company as it grows.

The Imation 1.5TB RDX Cartridge part number is 29104 and the Quantum 1.5 TB RDX Cartridge part number is MR150-A01A are now available.  Both of these cartridges can store up to 3.0 TB of compressed data.

One of the advantages of RDX and RD1000 is the interchangeable, removable cartridges of various capacities.  Any RDX (or Dell RD1000) drive is capable of reading and writing to any size RDX cartridge.  This means you can use the cartridge with the capacity that best fits your needs.

Features and Benefits of RDX Technology

RDX 1.5 TB Cartridge

1.5TB RDX Cartridge
(RD1000 Compatible)

  • Archivability and Reliability Up to 30+ years
  • Forward and Backward Compatibility
    • Today’s drive/dock is compatible with all past and future cartridges
    • Today’s cartridges are compatible with all past and future drives/docks
  • Protected from drops of up to a meter
  • Drag-n-drop file transfers
  • Cartridge write protection
  • WORM capable (Write Once Read Many)

 


LTO Ultrium 6 Tape Logo

LTO 6 Tapes

LTO Ultrium 6 Tapes are now Available

IBM, Quantum, HP, Sony, FujiFilm, TDK, Imation and Maxell have released their LTO 6 Tape. With capacity 2.5 TB and up to 6.25 TB (assuming a 2.5:1 compression), LTO Ultrium generation 6 provides data transfer speeds of up to 400 MB/s (assuming a 2.5:1 compression) and continues support of partitioning to enable functions like LTFS making tape easy to manage, encryption – helping to secure data, and WORM to address compliance needs.

As with previous generations, LTO-6 drives will provide backward compatibility with the ability to read and write LTO generation 5 cartridges and read LTO generation 4 cartridges, helping to preserve media investments and ease implementation.

Features

  • Capacity 2.5TB and up to 6.25TB accumint 2.5:1 compression
  • LTFS – Linear Tape File System (LTFS) provides simple drag-and-drop capabilities for reliable and cost-effective “linear” tape. This technology has made locating and storing files simple and quick in a manner like using disk or a memory stick. It revolutionized large digital file tape management, delivering new applications for digital media storage across a broad array of industries.
  • Data transfer speed:  of 160MB/s native and up to 400 MB/s (assuming a 2.5:1 compression)
  • Security – Ultrium LTO 6 drives are the third generation to offer hardware-based 256-bit data encryption, providing the highest level of security without any loss of performance; WORM (Write Once Read Many) cartridges are also available.
  • Barium Ferrite – Some manufacturers are using Barium Ferrite in lieu of MP.  Tapes using BaFe have  higher coercvityand lower noise compared to older generations.

As with previous generations, LTO-6 drives will provide backward compatibility with the ability to read and write LTO generation 5 cartridges and read LTO generation 4 cartridges, helping to preserve media investments and ease implementation.

If you want to learn more, you can find information on our website:

  1. Sony LTO 6 Tape – LTX2500G
  2. IBM LTO 6 Tape – 00V7590
  3. HP LTO 6 Tape – C7976A
  4. Quantum LTO 6 Tape – MR-L6MQN-01
  5. TDK LTO 6 Tape – 62032
  6. Imation LTO 6 Tape – 29080
  7. FujiFilm LTO 6 Tape – 16310732
  8. Maxell LTO 6 Tape – 229558

Save on Imation 750 GB RDX Backup System

Need a new backup system for your computer or server?  RDX may be the solution. RDX is a fast, simple, reliable and affordable disk-based data protection system that satisfies the backup and archive needs of today’s fast-paced businesses.  We have an Imation RDX 750GB bundle at a spectacular price (available while supplies last).  You get an Imation External USB 2.0 RDX Burner and 1 Imation 750 GB Cartridge for only $149.99.  This is less than the cartridge alone would usually cost.  Another option is the Imation RDX 2-750GB System.  With this system you get and Imation External USB 2.0 RDX Drive and two (2) Imation 750GB RDX Cartridges for only $233.99RDX Advantages:

  • Rugged, 2.5″ mobile SATA hard disk drive
  • Fully Compatible with Dell RD1000 Removable Disc Systems
  • Shock protection from drops up to 1 meter
  • Forward and backward compatible to all RDX systems
  • Compact design – Cartridge Size 0.9″ x 3.4″ x 4.7″
  • Reliable for a minimum of 5,000 load/unload cycles
  • 3 year limited warranty by Imation

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