Backup Tapes

Long term backing-up of data using HDDs and SSDs or cloud storage isn’t practical as the cost quickly spirals out of control. In addition, even the best server HDDs and SSDs only have six year warranty. In contrast, despite its slow performance, tape remains the best format for backup as it offers much lower cost per terabyte and most tapes are typically rated for up to 30 years.

LTO or Linear Tape Open, often called by the brand name Ultrium, is the only remaining back-up tape format in operation today. Each generation of LTO usually doubles the capacity of the tape and compression offers the ability to fit more data onto a tape at a ratio of either 2:1 or 2.5:1.

These LTO tapes are only compatible with LTO drives, however older generation tapes can still be used with newer tape drives.