This category covers tape drives and data cartridges for backing up and archiving server and workstation data. It suits IT managers, small businesses and anyone who needs offline copies of large data sets. Leading brands in our range include Quantum, IBM, HP and Fujifilm.
How to choose a tape drive or cartridge
Tape generation. Most current tape backup uses LTO, and each generation raises capacity and speed. LTO-7 holds 6 TB native, LTO-8 holds 12 TB and LTO-9 holds 18 TB, before compression. Pick the generation that fits your data volume with room to grow.
Compatibility between drives and cartridges. A drive normally accepts cartridges of its own generation and the one before, so a newer cartridge will not work in an older drive. If you already have a stock of tapes, check which generations the new drive can read and write before buying.
Interface and form. Internal drives usually connect by SAS, while Fibre Channel is common in larger server rooms. Check that your server or host adapter has the matching port. Also decide between a half-height or full-height internal drive, an external desktop unit, or a multi-slot autoloader or library that changes tapes without anyone being present.
Cartridge type and quantity. Standard rewritable cartridges suit regular backup rotation. WORM (write once, read many) cartridges suit records that must not be altered. Plan for a cleaning cartridge as well, and buy enough tapes to cover your full rotation, including off-site copies.
Brands we carry
- Quantum: known for tape libraries and autoloaders that scale from a few slots to large enterprise archives.
- IBM: one of the companies behind the LTO standard, and a long-standing maker of enterprise tape drives and libraries.
- HP, HPE, HP Enterprise and HP Inc: offer StoreEver tape drives and LTO cartridges, which are often chosen to match HPE servers.
- Fujifilm: a major manufacturer of data cartridges, widely used for LTO media.
- Overland: supplies tape autoloaders and libraries aimed at small and mid-sized backup setups.
Also in our range: Actidata, Storesys, NetC and a number of unbranded products.
Tape drives and cartridges: frequently asked questions
What is a tape drive used for?
A tape drive writes data to magnetic tape cartridges for backup and long-term archiving. Tapes can be removed and stored offline, which protects the data from ransomware and accidental deletion. This makes tape a common choice for copies of business data that must be kept for years.
How much data can an LTO cartridge hold?
It depends on the generation. An LTO-7 cartridge holds 6 TB native, LTO-8 holds 12 TB and LTO-9 holds 18 TB. Compression can increase the usable amount, but the result depends on the type of data being stored.
Can I use an LTO-9 cartridge in an LTO-8 drive?
No, a newer-generation cartridge cannot be used in an older drive. Drives are built to work with their own generation and, usually, the one before it. Always match the cartridge generation to the drive you own or plan to buy.
Is tape still worth using for backup?
Yes, tape remains worthwhile for large volumes of data that need cheap, offline, long-term storage. Manufacturers commonly quote shelf lives of decades when cartridges are stored correctly. For small data sets or quick everyday restores, disk or cloud storage may be more convenient.
