Because of the advent of the Cloud and the popularity of disk for data storage, LTO tape has at times been overlooked and underestimated.

The following some leading LTO tape myths:

1. Tape Is Dead

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Tape is alive and thriving. This has much to do with the fact that tape a tape-only data structure infrastructure is very expensive and can be unstable. Also, the Cloud is still new territory that comes with some risk.

Tape isn’t dead for several reasons, but mainly because it provides a very stable medium for daily data backups. A growing number of organizations have realized the hard way what happens when disks fail them.

2. You Can’t Use LTO Tape Like a Hard Drive

The newest versions of LTO, the LTO-5 and LTO-6 have LTFS. This makes tape look like and work like a hard drive, which speeds up the process of saving, finding, and retrieving data.

It is true, however, that earlier versions of LTO tape don’t have this capability. This doesn’t make earlier tape cartridges ineffective. They still are amazingly stable and can be stored for 30 years and more.

3. Tape Is Going to Die Off in the Near Future

This is a big myth. The LTO Consortium actually has big plans, as it seeks to develop tapes with massive amounts of storage space. As energy prices continue to rise and organization’s data sets rise exponentially, the consortium intends to create new generations of tapes that will hold gargantuan amounts of data and boast of lightening-fast data transfer speeds.

Beyond the above three myths, it is important to reveal a handful of other truths:

- LTO holds even more value because it can be recycled.
- Plus, organizations can sell used tape and regain some of their initial investment.
- Stability makes it ideal for assuring that industry regulations for data storage are met.

Looking to buy new or used tape? We can help! Please either call or email our team, and we’ll help you gain access to the best pricing on the market.

We can also answer any questions you may have about tape.

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As you develop and maintain your data storage environment, there are a handful of steps that we recommend every organization take:

1. Get and Stay Organized

We see it time and time again -- organizations fail to carefully develop organization strategies and structures so that data can be easily retrieved. It is quite common (and definitely not recommended) that there is no rhyme or reason to the technologies that are being used and the way tapes, disks, disk drives, etc. are kept.

Take time to carefully plan how you will store data, what types of technologies will be used throughout the entire organization, how you will catalog tapes and disks, and what the protocol will be for the use and distribution of all data storage mediums.

2. Schedule Regular Backups

Make sure you have a plan of action where data backups are concerned. We recommend using LTO tape for archiving large amounts of data stored on disk. Tape is very stable, energy saving and can be stored for 30 years and more. Plus, because it is stored offline, it isn't susceptible to hacking or viruses that could wreak major havoc.

3. Don’t Take Risks

Never take any risks whatsoever with your data. Continually monitor your data storage setup and make necessary changes in structure, methodology, or policy if you feel your data is at risk. We've seen organizations learn this lesson the hard way and always recommend outlining each and everything that could possibly go wrong. It is then possible to outline steps for avoiding problems.

4. Get a Recycling Program in Place

When tapes, disk, and other technologies have reached their end, it is an excellent idea to consider recycling them all. We can help you in this department via our buyback program. Not only can you benefit financially by recycling data storage equipment, you can pave the way for a healthier environment.

5. Test Your Data Storage Solution

One of the best things you can do for your organization is to test current and future data storage environments. Never assume your proposed setup will work flawlessly. Constantly be on the lookout for ways to improve your setup.

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In today’s world, data destruction is a very serious matter. With the numerous amounts of data that come the the form of client information, financial transactions, photos, videos, and other personal information, organizations and individuals are always at risk.

If you’ve been trying to discern how your going to manage data destruction policies and procedures, it’s important that you read further:

1. There are three methods for data destruction to consider including overwriting, degaussing, and physical destruction. Overwriting includes covering up old data with new data. Degaussing is the process of purging data by erasing the magnetic field of an LTO or other type of tape. And physical destruction consists of shredding or incinerating disk or tape.

2. Degaussing data tape media comes with multiple benefits. At Big Data Supply, one of our fortes is degaussing used tape and recycling it so that it can be used again. Not only do we think this is the environmentally friendly way to go about it, our clients earn cash when they sell used tape via our buyback program. (Please note not all tapes can be degaussed in the traditional manner, media with servo track will be damaged and be unusable if not processed through our proprietary degaussing equipment. Call or email for details.)

3. Failure to properly erase can be very costly. There are numerous organizations that find themselves in financial, legal, and regulatory trouble when they fail to develop strict data destruction policies and procedures. It isn’t at all uncommon for both disk and tape (full of data) to be thrown in dumpsters or stored out in the open. It’s vital that you fully understand the specifics surrounding industry regulations for data storage, disposal, and destruction and develop a system for assuring new and old data is always secure.

4. Data creation leads to massive amounts of e-waste. It’s quite easy to overlook all of the devices (disks, tape cartridges, tape libraries, etc.) that build up over time as data is created and stored. Don’t forget the role that you and/or your organization plays in creating e-waste. As mentioned above, by degaussing tape and recycling your data storage equipment, you have the power to keep perfectly good used technology out of landfills.

Our team would be more than happy to consult with you on options for strategically destroying your old data and recycling your used data storage technologies.

5. Data destruction doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The recycling movement has been slow to take off within the U.S. largely because people think the process takes too much time and effort. This is where the Big Data Supply team comes in. We’ll set up a plan to make the process very easy. For example, we’ll pay you for your used data storage equipment, arrange for shipment, and completely purge any and all data you’ve accumulated over time.

We Buy Used Tape, Recycle Your Media! Give us a call or e-mail us to get started and/or answer all of your questions surrounding data destruction!

Contact us today: Info@BigDataSupplyInc.com | Toll Free 800-905-7329 | Local 949-679-6633