In computer storage, a tape library, sometimes called a tape silo, or tape jukebox, is a storage device which contains one or more tape drives, a number of slots to hold tape cartridges, a barcode reader to identify tape cartridges and an automated method for loading tapes (a robot). Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to Computer components devices and recording media that retain digital A tape drive, which is also known as a streamer, is a data storage device that reads and writes data stored on a magnetic tape. Magnetic tape has been used for Data storage for over 50 years A bar code (also barcode) is an optical Machine-readable representation of data One of the earliest examples was the IBM 3850 Mass Storage System (MSS), announced in 1974. The IBM 3850 Mass Storage System was an Online Tape library used to hold large amounts of infrequently accessed
These devices can store immense amounts of data, currently ranging from 20 terabytes[1] up to more than 50 petabytes of data,[2] or about one hundred thousand times the capacity of a typical hard drive and well in excess of capacities achievable with network attached storage. A terabyte (derived from the prefix Tera- and commonly abbreviated TB) is a measurement term for data storage capacity. A petabyte (derived from the SI prefix peta -) is a unit of Information or Computer storage equal to one Quadrillion A hard disk drive ( HDD) commonly referred to as a hard drive, hard disk, or fixed disk drive, is a Non-volatile storage device Network-attached storage ( NAS) is file-level Computer data storage connected to a Computer network providing data access to heterogeneous network clients Typical entry-level solutions cost around $10,000 USD,[3] while high-end solutions can cost in excess of $70,000 USD[4] For large data-storage, they are a highly cost-effective solution, with cost per gigabyte as low as 10 cents USD, or at least 60% less than most hard drives, and they also add the value of providing systematic access to very large quantities of data. The tradeoff for their larger capacity is their slower access time, which usually involves mechanical manipulation of tapes. Access to data in a library takes from several seconds to several minutes.
Because of their slow random access and huge capacity, tape libraries are primarily used for backups and as the final stage of digital archiving. In Information technology, backup refers to making copies of Data so that these additional copies may be used to restore the original after a An archive refers to a collection of historical records and also refers to the location in which these records are kept A typical application of the latter would be organization's extensive transaction record for legal or auditing purposes. Another example is hierarchical storage management (HSM), in which tape library is used to hold rarely used files from file systems. Hierarchical Storage Management ( HSM) is a data storage technique which automatically moves data between high-cost and low-cost storage media In Computing, a file system (often also written as filesystem) is a method for storing and organizing Computer files and the data they contain to make
Smaller tape libraries with only one drive and robot are known as autoloaders. An autoloader, or autochanger, is a data storage device consisting of at least one Tape drive (the drive a method of loading tapes into the drive (the
Software support
There are several large-scale library-management packages available commercially. Open-Source support includes AMANDA and the minimal mtx program. Amanda, or the Advanced Maryland Automatic Network Disk Archiver is an open source Computer archiving tool that is able to back up data residing on multiple computers
Most libraries have the capability of scanning barcode labels, allowing them to locate the correct tape even if it is not in the expected slot. Preprinted labels are available commercially but may also be generated using software such as HP DLT 4000 Barcode Labels.
Dominant tape library manufacturers and brands
- BDT AG
- IBM: TS3310, TS3500, 3582, 3583, 3584, 3494
- Overland Storage
- Quantum (acquired ADIC in 2006)
- Spectra Logic
- Sun Microsystems (acquired StorageTek in 2005): L25, L100, L180, L500, L700, L8500. International Business Machines Corporation abbreviated IBM and nicknamed "Big Blue", is a multinational Computer Technology Overland Storage was founded in 1980 in San Diego California Known as Overland Data until June 2002 the company is a manufacturer of robotic tape libraries virtual tape Quantum Corporation ( is a manufacturer of Tape drive, tape automation data deduplication storage products and scalable file storage software based in San Jose Advanced Digital Information Corporation ( ADIC) was an independent American manufacturer of tape libraries and storage management software which is now part of Sun Microsystems Inc ( is a multinational vendor of Computers computer components Computer software, and Information technology services Storage Technology Corporation ( StorageTek or STK) is a worldwide technology Company that delivers a broad range of data storage offerings Sun StorageTek SL8500 is an enterprise-class robotic Tape library.
- Tandberg Data (acquired Exabyte): StorageLibrary T40
References
- ^ HP StorageWorks MSL2024 Tape Library - Overview & features
- ^ Sun StorageTek SL8500 Modular Library System
- ^ HP Small & Medium Business Online Store: HP StorageWorks MSL2024 Tape Libraries
- ^ Sun StorageTek L1400 Tape Library. Tandberg Data ( is a company focused on data storage products especially streamers headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Exabyte Corp was a manufacturer of Magnetic tape data storage products headquartered in Boulder Colorado, United States. Cites cost as "From $69,000. (US)".
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