IBM has officially announced it’s proprietary General Parallel File System (GPFS) will soon easily write files to tape on cartridges through an enterprise edition of LTFS. It will be referred to as “Big Blue’s Linear Tape File System.”

As we’ve shared numerous times, LTFS allows for files to be stored in a defined location within a tape. This allows for data to be placed in folders and retrieved with ease. LTFS is currently available on LTO-5, LTO-6, and TS1140 tape.

IBM is currently developing an LTFS EE (Enterprise Edition) that offers a clear and defined link between GPFS and LTFS. There are numerous benefits to this, but the most important one is that when you put an LTFS tape in a tape library, it will be possible to import it with LTFS EE commands. The data will then show up within the GPFS filesystem.

This is possible because LTFS EE will utilize a hidden GPFS filesystem to map all data from LTFS to GPFS.

This finally offers a way for bulk GPFS data that is rarely accessed (but needs to be retained for years to come) to be stored in a cost-effective manner. In other words, storing this data offline on tape is much less expensive than utilizing disk space.

Storing Tier 2 and Tier 3 data on tape is especially ideal in today’s world, where data storage environments are growing faster than ever.

Want to learn more about LTO tape, LTFS, and other related topics? Drop us a call or an e-mail, and we’ll be happy to help!

We work with organizations of all shapes and sizes to help then create and maintain robust, cost-effective data storage environments.

This especially includes the use of tape, thanks to the advancements of the LTO consortium — which includes IBM.

We’ll keep you updated as more details within the industry emerge!

We buy excess new and used data tape media and sell new and certified data tape as well. Just give us a call!

Contact us today: Info@BigDataSupplyInc.com | Toll Free 800-905-7329 | Local 949-679-6633

As we shared in our last post, there are numerous reasons why organizations around the world are relying on LTO tape cartridges for far more than just archived data — the kind that will sit in a storage facility collecting dust for decades to come.

Now, LTO is playing a much larger role — even with the ever-evolving cloud. StudioDaily points out how LTO fits perfectly into a data storage scenario that includes the cloud.

It is now possible to use LTO tape to quickly gather data from various sources and then upload the data directly into the cloud. With recent LTO advancements, the medium is both portable and very convenient to use.

In the recent past, the cloud was primarily seeded with hard drives, but XenData and other innovators in the data storage marketplace have predicted that LTO archives will soon be a mainstay in the cloud.

XenData has upped the ante by creating a private, LTO-based cloud solution. Their concept surrounds that idea of putting an LTO library in the cloud for two reasons: (1) It is price-competitive for organizations with huge amounts of data and (2) it is secure — Having data in two places (in the cloud and on LTO tape) safeguards against data emergencies.

Is the Cloud Any Good?

At Big Data Supply, we’ve shared our philosophy on the cloud before — there is definitely a place for the cloud and is great in many instances. However, we strongly urge companies to consider regular LTO backups.

Here’s why:

1. LTO backups are secure and durable.
2. LTO tape makes data storage centers more cost-effective.
3. You never want to solely rely on a hosted data storage scenario. It’s best to have hard-copies of ALL of your most important data in case of a system failure.
4. What happens if your cloud provider goes out of business? Your data may get lost in the process.
5. LTO tape can be expunged of data and used again.

The list could go on and on…

Have any LTO-related questions? We would love to help. Drop us an e-mail and we’ll respond quickly. Looking for new or used LTO tape cartridges, LTO libraries, or other equipment? We can help with that as well!

Contact us today: Info@BigDataSupplyInc.com | Toll Free 800-905-7329 | Local 949-679-6633

In the world of big data, media companies are growing to understand a single fact: In the coming years, they will need to store massive amounts of data over the longterm. And thanks to new LTO tape cartridge advancements, organizations are realizing it can easily be used throughout the production and post process.

Not only can LTO tape cartridges hold huge amounts of data, the newest couple of versions are equipped with LTFS. This feature allows for tape to be used in a very similar manner as disk. You can now easily write data to a tape and retrieve data quickly.

Another reason LTO tape is growing in popularity and not dying out (as many data experts once predicted), is because it is less expensive than disk. Storing large amounts of data online at all times can amount to a massive expense. On the other hand, tape can be stored offline for 30 years and more.

One of the most exciting moments for LTO occurred recently. XenData introduced the SXL-5000, a scalable LTO archive that begins at 210 TB and can scale to 1.2 PB. This is great news for media organizations that are continually needing to upgrade their data storage infrastructure.

It has been quite common for organizations to use USB-attached disks for maintaining their data. This can be very costly and even dangerous. If a disk fails or is hacked, then what happens? Using LTO to back up all disks makes perfect sense. But beyond archiving, LTO is increasingly being used to help organizational members meet deliverables. For example, a media organization might house large video files that need to be used during post-production.

Thus, it is safe to say LTFS has given LTO tape a whole new life.

The other amazing selling point for LTO tape is the fact that it can be recycled and reused. For the organization that burns through huge amounts of data quickly, this is a huge financial gain for them. After a tape is wiped clean, it can be reused by the organization. Rather than investing in all-new technologies on a constant basis, it is possible to make he most of equipment that has already been paid for.

Want to learn more about LTO tape and how it can pave the way for a better future? We’d be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Drop us and e-mail or give us a call.

Also, stay tuned for more information on LTO tape, data storage tips, and more!

Contact us today: Info@BigDataSupplyInc.com | Toll Free 800-905-7329 | Local 949-679-6633

The Economist recently detailed how tape (a 60-year-old technology) offers a solution to a modern problem. The problem being -- storing large amounts of data for less money and with ultimate efficiency. LTO Tape to the rescue!

According to the article, tape is currently the oldest computer storage medium that is still in use. The very first use of tape was on the UNIVAC computer in 1951. While tape saw a decrease in popularity by 14 percent in 2012, statistics show that its currently on the rise.

The reason? Alberto Pace of CERN (a customer of ours) suggests there are four main reasons:

1. Due to the latest advancements in tape, data can be retrieved quickly -- even faster than some hard disks.

2. Tape is reliable. Tape can be stored for 30 years and more and still be utilized. And if it snaps, it is possible to splice it back together. Offline storage also keeps tape from being corrupted or hacked.

3. No power needed to preserve data. Tape can be stored off-line, whereas disk relies on power for anything to occur. If the power goes off and a disk ceases to operate, data isn’t available. Plus, as mentioned above, disk can be compromised by hackers.

4. Tape is cheaper - plain and simple. You get more bang for your buck with tape, not to mention it lasts longer than disk.

While tape offers multiple benefits, it must be mentioned that it isn’t the end-all for the majority or organizations. “It forms a crucial part of storage hierarchy,” says Evangelos Eleftheriou of IBM.

There is “hot data” that must be made available for immediate access. This data can be stored within flash memory. “Lukewarm data” is data that is accessed frequently, but not instantly. Disk is commonly used in this case. And finally, there is “cold data” or data that is rarely accessed. This is where tape comes into play.

Finding the perfect balance within you data storage environment is the key to your success. A growing number of individuals and organizations are waking up to the true benefit of tape for long-term storage.

Regardless of what you may have thought: Tape is alive and well going into 2014!

Big Data Supply, Inc. "Buying and Supplying the Data Center" ...We purchase excess new and used data tape media cartridges, tape drives, libraries, hardware.

Contact us via e-mail or phone, and we’ll help you invest in the very best technologies available.

Info@BigDataSupplyInc.com | Toll Free 800-905-7329 | Local 949-679-6633