Imation said that it will begin shipping its LTO Ultrium Generation 5 tape cartridges, with nearly double the storage capacity, increased data transfer rates, and a new partitioning functionality over the prior tape generation.
The company said that the LTO Ultrium format generation 5 drives are designed with backwards-compatible read-and-write capability with the Ultrium format generation 4 cartridges, and backward read capabilities with generation 3 cartridges. The Ultrium LTO 5 tape offers drive level hardware-based writing of encrypted data to the tape cartridge, helping protect the storage and transport of sensitive information.
According to Imation, the LTO Ultrium generation 5 tape cartridges feature media and cartridge construction, including Imation TeraAngstrom technology that results in tape with a smoother surface and a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), delivering fewer errors and faster transfer rates. They also feature Imation advanced servo-writing technology that ensures precise alignment between drive head and data tracks for greater reliability.
In addition, the LTO 5 tape cartridges also feature corner snap that enhances cartridge strength and protects data during shipping or mishandling; and patented three-piece tape spool that distributes stress evenly over the tape surface for better performance and longer archival life.
Subodh Kulkarni, chief technology officer and senior vice president of global commercial business at Imation, said: “Imation is pleased to be one of the first to provide customers the advantages of next-generation LTO 5 tape cartridges. Magnetic tape remains the most cost-efficient way for businesses to address storage and compliance requirements, whether for long-term data archive or regular backup of active data, given tape’s energy savings and cost-per-gigabyte advantages over other methods.”
“With a native capacity of 1.5 terabytes and 3 terabytes of compressed storage, data transfer rates of up to 280MB/second compressed, data encryption, and new partitioning functionality to enhance file control and space management, the LTO 5 format offers significant improvements over prior LTO tape generations.”
