| General |
| Storage medium | LTO-8 WORM |
| Native capacity | 12 TB |
| Compressed capacity | 30 TB |
| Text | unlabeled |
| Barcode | random |
| Compatibility | LTO-8 drives |
The item is an
LTO-8 WORM data cartridge from Fujitsu Technology Solutions, based on Quantum technology. It serves as a
storage medium for long-term, immutable data backup and is specifically designed for applications where the integrity and immutability of stored data are critical, such as in compliance, archiving, or legal retention requirements. The cartridge offers a native capacity of
12 terabytes and a compressed capacity of
30 terabytes, with compression depending on data structure and not being equally efficient for all data types. The term
WORM (Write Once, Read Many) means that data can be written once and then only read, but not modified or deleted again – a feature essential for security-critical applications.
Applications
This LTO-8 WORM cartridge is primarily intended for use in
tape libraries and tape systems employed within backup and archiving strategies. It is particularly suitable for companies that must comply with legal data archiving requirements, such as in the financial services sector, healthcare industry, or government authorities. The cartridge is used in
LTO-8-compatible drives that support the WORM function. Use in non-WORM-capable drives is not possible, as the write-protection feature cannot be activated.
Functions and Features in Detail
The cartridge is
unlabeled and includes a
random barcode label for unique identification within the system. This barcode enables automated management within tape libraries, with labeling of the cartridge being performed by the user after purchase. The cartridge is
not designed for direct data storage on a computer, but exclusively for use in specialized tape drives. The WORM function is activated by the drive hardware and the cartridge firmware, ensuring both physical and logical write-protection.
Technology Explained Simply
The
LTO-8 technology is based on magnetic data storage on a tape housed in a robust plastic casing. The
WORM function is implemented through specific markings on the tape and drive technology, making further write operations impossible after the initial write. The native capacity of
12 TB is achieved when data is stored without compression. With an average compression ratio of approximately 2.5:1, the compressed capacity reaches
30 TB. The cartridge is designed for use in
LTO-8-compatible systems, with compatibility with older LTO generations (such as LTO-7) not guaranteed, as the WORM function is only supported in LTO-8 drives.
Compatibility and Accessories
The cartridge is compatible exclusively with
LTO-8 drives that support the WORM function. Use in LTO-7 or older drives is not possible, as these do not implement WORM technology. There are no specific accessories directly associated with this cartridge; its use is exclusively in conjunction with tape drives and tape libraries. The cartridge is
not intended for direct connection to computers or other end devices.
Installation and Mounting
Installation is performed by inserting the cartridge into a compatible LTO-8 drive or tape library. No additional mounting or installation measures are required. The cartridge is automatically recognized by the drive, and the WORM function is activated during the first write operation. Labeling of the cartridge is optional for the user, with the integrated barcode number serving system management purposes.
Operational Advantages
The
WORM function provides high protection against unintentional or intentional data manipulation, which is crucial for legal and regulatory requirements. The high storage capacity of up to
30 TB for compressed data enables efficient archiving of large data volumes. The cartridge is designed for use in professional IT environments and offers high reliability for long-term data storage. Use in tape libraries allows for automated and scalable management of large archive collections.