The Spectra Cube tape library has been added to the range of enterprise tape storage solutions offered by Spectra Logic, a global provider of data management and storage solutions. The new Spectra Cube library would be easy to use, cloud-optimized, while it can be instantly deployed, dynamically scaled, and simply supported without the need for tools or downtime.
The recently released LumOS library management software, a feature-rich interface that permits secured local and remote management and monitoring, as well as an optional assisted self-maintenance model that enables quick component replacement without the need for service personnel, is in charge of managing the new system.
Through seamless integration with Spectra BlackPearl file and object storage systems, the Spectra Cube library fully supports contemporary backup and archive applications, enabling the creation of affordable on-premises or hybrid cloud object-based tape tiers. Full support is provided for Amazon S3 and Amazon S3 Glacier API access. It would also be a suitable platform for managed service providers (MSPs) and cloud service providers (CSPs) to use in order to supply storage services to their customers.
Along with verified solutions for integration with object storage systems like NetApp StorageGRID, there are also more than thirty custom integrations available with media asset and production asset managers.
LTO Tape Drives
Spectra Cube capacity-on-demand expansion technology would make it simple to respond to frequently unpredictable data growth trends while managing capital expenditures. Without requiring tools, downtime, or service calls, more tape drives can be added to scale performance and more tape slots can be dynamically activated by software. With over 2.5 petabytes (PB) of data capacity per square foot of floor area, Spectra Cube offers a highly efficient storage density compared to object-based disk or flash systems, all while maintaining significantly reduced environmental costs for power and cooling.
Rackmount equipment, such as industry-standard servers and Spectra BlackPearl storage, can be installed in an optional loft enclosure, which would help improve space efficiency by streamlining connectivity.
Up to 30 PB of native capacity and a maximum of 75 PB of compressed capacity are available in the Spectra Cube library. It is possible to mix and match up to 16 full-height or 30 half-height LTO tape drives, with a maximum native throughput of 32 TB per hour. With the capacity to support upcoming LTO technology generations as they become available, the currently supported LTO technology generations include LTO-6, LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9. The library can support up to 16 partitions in shared or multi-tenant setups.
‘Escalating Costs of Public Cloud Storage’
Spectra Logic claims its Spectra Cube library to provide the best tape cartridge interchange performance of any library in its class by utilizing a mix of TeraPack magazines and the tried-and-true Spectra high-performance transporter technology. Additionally, the new library has a front-panel TeraPack Access Port that would make handling tape handling easier and allows for the selective import or ejection of 10 tape cartridges in a single, non-disruptive operation.
Fibre Channel and SAS drive interfaces are supported, and optional Ethernet-to-SAS bridges would cut costs and complexity by doing away with the requirement for separate storage area network connections.
According to Matt Ninesling, Senior Director of Tape Portfolio Management at Spectra Logic, “As cloud data continues to grow rapidly, the escalating costs of public cloud storage have forced a reckoning, leading to significant interest in moving data to more economical locations including on-prem clouds and hybrid clouds. Spectra Cube solutions can reduce cold storage costs by half or more when compared to typical public cloud options. They also offer better data control and protection against existential threats like ransomware.”
Lifetime-Guaranteed Spectra Certified Media
Spectra Logic advises using lifetime-guaranteed Spectra Certified Media with all of its libraries to assure the highest level of dependability and prolong the life of tape media.
Spectra libraries actively track tape health and consumption when utilizing Spectra Certified Media. Over 40 parameters are recorded for every tape over its lifetime to help anticipate, evaluate, and reduce errors. Furthermore, automated routines for data integrity testing are carried out to identify media mistakes and lower the possibility of data loss or corruption.
Using a unique CarbideClean process, every Spectra Certified Media cartridge is pre-cleaned to ensure that the media is debris-free, minimizing mistakes and prolonging the life of the tape head. Additionally, pre-applied standard or bespoke barcodes are included with Certified Media cartridges for effective tracking.
Spectra Certified LTO-9 cartridges would save up to thirty minutes of startup time per cartridge because they are pre-calibrated for instant use, maximizing data location.
Certified Media cartridges can be provided pre-packed into TeraPack magazines for simple bulk loading or off-site storage.
