LTO: A Lower Cost Storage Tier

Active archives provide secure long-term storage of your digital assets. They represent a tier of storage that is lower performance than fast primary disk but much lower in cost per TB. XenData provides tiered storage systems that archive content to LTO data tape in robotic libraries. The LTO tier, often termed T3 (tier 3), takes advantage of the cost-effective and highly scalable data storage offered by data tape. Other benefits include very low power consumption, long data life of 30+ years and enhanced ransomware protection.

Here is a quick overview of XenData LTO archives:

Combine T2 and T3 with XenData

XenData LTO archive systems can be accessed as a highly scalable file system and as S3 object storage. They include a managed disk volume which acts as a cache, and this can also be used as a T2 (tier 2) storage tier for content that needs faster access than available from T3. As data on T2 goes untouched for a defined retention period (e.g., 30 days), the XenData HSM software purges it from the disk cache and makes it accessible from LTO tape. The file system leaves behind a tiny pointer file (stub). When an application reads the stub file, the HSM automatically instructs the robotic arm to grab the specific LTO cartridge, insert it into a tape drive, and stream the data back to the application.

Archive Appliances to Manage LTO Libraries

Software for LTO Drives

Enhancements