Personal computer storage media designed for long-term backup and secure archiving, Quantum LTO Ultrium LTO 8 Data Cartridge. Peace of mind for IT teams handling large datasets and off-site vaulting. But is the high-capacity tape-based approach still the most practical solution for modern archives?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Storage Capacity: 12 TB native, up to 30 TB with 2.5:1 compression
- • Best for: Organisations needing long-term, high-density off-site backups
- • Not ideal for: Rapid random access or frequent on-site restores
High-capacity LTO-8 tape with built-in metadata memory for library integration. Designed for long-term archive, security and media health reporting.
High-density archiving - with 12 TB native capacity
Native capacity is 12 TB and a 2.5:1 compression ratio yields up to 30 TB of compressed storage when supported by backup software. The LTO-8 format is optimised for sequential, high-throughput writes.
Store larger datasets while reducing cartridge count and off-site rotation complexity. Lower handling and storage footprint make vaulting and catalogue management simpler.
Reliable archive integrity - with a non-contact IC memory chip up to 16 KB
A non-contact IC memory chip of up to 16 KB stores tape metadata and usage information that tape libraries can read without physical contact. That metadata accelerates library access and supports automated inventory and reporting.
Accurate tracking and faster library operations reduce restore times and administrative overhead. Clear media records aid compliance for archived cartridges in vault storage.
Secure offline copies - thanks to EDLM and tape's physical air gap
Extended Data Life Management and Advanced Media Usage Reports provide a view of media condition across a media pool, including off-site cartridges. Offline tape creates a physical air gap that sits outside networked systems.
Aids resilience against ransomware and other cyber risks by keeping an isolated copy offline. Regular condition reporting supports proactive replacement and long-term retention policies.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Quantum LTO Ultrium LTO 8 Data Cartridge
- Manufactured to industry standards - Reduces failure risk during long-term archiving and rotation
- Built-in IC memory (up to 16 KB) - Speeds library operations and improves metadata tracking
- Advanced Media Usage Reports and EDLM - Deliver media health records for compliance and proactive maintenance
- Proven compatibility and durability - Works with common enterprise libraries and withstands routine cleaning cycles
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Personal Computer storage media
- Format / Generation: LTO Ultrium 8
- Native Capacity: 12 TB
- Compressed Capacity: 30 TB (2.5:1)
- Compression Ratio: 2.5:1
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much data does the cartridge hold natively and compressed?
A: Native capacity is 12 TB and compression at 2.5:1 yields up to 30 TB of compressed storage where supported by your backup workflow.
Q: Will the tape work with common enterprise drives such as HP StorageWorks 1760?
A: A user review reports compatibility with HP StorageWorks 1760 internal drives, but check your tape library vendor's media compatibility list for confirmation.
Q: How does tape help protect against ransomware and media degradation?
A: Extended Data Life Management and Advanced Media Usage Reports create a health record for archived cartridges, and the offline nature of tape provides a physical air gap that reduces exposure to network attacks.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for organisations that require long-term, off-site archival of large datasets and reliable media tracking. High native capacity combined with built-in IC memory and EDLM supports robust, manageable archives with audited media health. While upfront costs and handling differ from disk-based systems, offline durability and improved cyber resilience deliver strong long-term value.
