LTO tape is a high-capacity, magnetic tape storage solution used for long-term data retention. It is a preferred choice for industries like finance, healthcare and media due to its reliability and cost-efficiency. With generations spanning from LTO-1 to LTO-9, each new release brings higher capacities, faster speeds and enhanced security features. LTO-10, expected to be released soon, is set to deliver even greater advancements in data storage and security.

LTO technology offers multiple benefits, making it a superior choice for backup and archiving:

• High Capacity & Scalability: LTO-9 can store up to 45TB (compressed), reducing storage costs.

• Cost-Effective: Lower total cost of ownership compared to disk-based storage solutions.

• Air-Gapped Security: Provides a physical separation from online threats, protecting against ransomware.

• Fast Data Transfer Speeds: LTO-9 delivers up to 1,000MB/s compressed speeds for quick backup and recovery.

• Long-Term Durability: LTO tapes last over 30 years, making them ideal for archival storage.

• Backward Compatibility: Read and write support for previous LTO generations, ensuring flexibility.

Despite the rise of cloud storage and flash-based solutions, Ultrium tape remains an essential component of modern data storage strategies. Tapes offer unique advantages in terms of cost, capacity, energy efficiency, and security that are difficult to match with other storage technologies.

Looking ahead, the role of tape is likely to grow, particularly as organisations grapple with the increasing risks of cyberattacks. Tape’s air-gapped nature—being offline when not in use—provides a critical layer of security against ransomware and data breaches. Furthermore, the LTO consortium's roadmap ensures continued innovation, with upcoming generations poised to offer even greater storage capacities and faster.