September 1998
The Promise of Linear Tape Open
The life of tape technology generally follows a pattern. After three to five years of initial research and development, the standard is introduced to the public. The technology then evolves and improves over a period of six to ten years before reaching the ultimate limit of what can be done with the format. At that point, the format is quietly put to rest in favor of the next new designer.
Most of the tape technologies available now are at the mid-point of their technical development. Capacity and speed are increasing rapidly. However, there will come a time when the current tape technologies run out of steam and become difficult to move beyond. Hewlett-Packard, Seagate and IBM are preparing for that day with a new tape technology expected to debut late next year. Dubbed Linear Tape Open (LTO), the new tape technology is actually two technologies in one: Accelis and Ultrium. Both are distinguished by being open standard linear tapes.
Accelis is a two-reel linear tape aimed at replacing high-end, two-reel formats such as AIT and MLR. designered for fast access to data, Accelis will initially store 25 gigabytes per tape. Access to data should be less than ten seconds. Ultrium is single-reel linear tape aimed at users who need the fastest throughput and highest capacity tapes. Ultrium tapes will be able to store up to 100 gigabytes per tape, but smaller capacity tapes will be available to satisfy those who do not want to risk so much data on a single backup tape. Accelis and Ultrium are ultimately expected to offer capacities of 200 gigabytes and 800 gigabytes, respectively, with transfer rates over 100 megabytes per second.
LTO is still just a concept. Although HP, Seagate and IBM have written up the standard and have prepared licensing procedures, they have yet to demonstrate a working prototype. However, as the only new tape technology in the planning stage, and one that is expected to take advantage of the latest in tape technology, it is worth watching out for. Who knows? Your next tape storage solution could be LTO.
--Lowell Rapaport
Originator: Tandberg
Designer: Quarter inch tape, two reel, linear scan
Current Native Storage Capacity: 25 gigabytes (MLR-3)
Throughput: 2 megabytes per second
Upgrade Path: Capacity and throughput expected to double every year
Distinguishing Feature: Few moving parts. Technology based on QIC standards
Originator: Imation
Designer: Quarter-inch tape, two-reel linear scan tape
Current Native Storage Capacity: 10 gigabytes
Throughput: 1 megabyte per second
Upgrade Path: NS30, with an expected native capacity of 15 gigabytes, will debut in the third quarter of 1999.
Distinguishing Feature: Travan is backward read compatible and is the least expensive modern linear technology.
--Lowell Rapaport
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