Google is one of the largest tape users. Tape for archive is a wise choice.
There are numerous tape doubters out in the world, especially proponents of disk-only storage. However, recent reports have revealed that the use of tape is on the rise -- especially within medium to large organizations.
The perfect example of a major organization utilizing tape to assure that massive amounts of data are secure for years to come is Google. The organization understands the power of LTO and the continual improvements that are expected in the coming months and years.
For instance, according to to a recent IBM report, the brand will be making a near 40-times improvement on its current LTO-6 technology. The truth of the matter is that disk isn’t making nearly as many leaps forward as tape is making at the present moment.
Technology expert Chris Mellor suggest that tape is the very best method for longterm storage for the following reasons:
1. Tape is the only method that can keep up with the massive amounts of customer transactions, images, music, videos, and other popular forms of data being archived today.
2. It’s cost-effectiveness makes it an excellent form of storage after data stored on disk loses its importance.
3. Tape is durable and its off-line nature offers ultimate data security.
While LTO-6’s capacity is already off the charts, LTO-7 will provide 6.4 TB of raw capacity -- and the LTO consortium is already talking about LTO-8, LTO-9, and even LTO-10!
This is why Google and other leading organizations are investing heavily in LTO technologies for data backups. Google in particular has been saved by its use of tape when thousands of mail accounts have gone missing. Without offline archives via tape, there would already have been hundreds of thousands of unhappy Google customers.
Instead of technology experts suggesting that tape is near dead, they are suggesting that DAT’s future may be fading. At the rate its going, LTO will one day boast of 102TB of capacity. This capacity level would most likely be seen in around 2025.
Looking to learn more about tape? We would love to answer your questions. At Big Data Supply, we offer new and used tape, tape drives, and more.
You can also sell tape and take advantage of our recycling program.
Call or e-mail us for more information.
Getting your data storage system installed and ready to use is only half the battle in the world of data management. According to technology expert Cliff Longman, it is essential that you look deeply into your business problems and seek to develop processes that will best serve your present and future.
The following are steps you can take to assure that you successfully manage your data:
• Set clear objectives. The more you understand what your data storage infrastructure was developed for in the first place, the better you can manage your data. Ask yourself questions like: How is the data we are storing going to benefit the organization? What data is the most important? How will we start the data storage process?
• Develop a business case. Gain an understanding of how your organization will benefit from the system and define its value in terms of operational efficiency, higher levels of business intelligence, and regulatory compliance. This will allow for a better understanding as to the value of the data being stored and the reasons behind developing the system in the first place. Also, it is valuable to understand the consequences of poor or lost data on the bottom line and service quality.
• Establish a governance process and rules. Prior to jumping into the data storage process, it is important to establish rules for maintaining data quality, efficiency, and consistency. There should never be a question as to who is responsible for making sure that data is being stored in the very best manner possible. Additionally, rules should be given to organizational member to assure they are benefiting the process.
• Inventory all data. Before adding massive amounts of data to your infrastructure, it is an excellent idea to conduct a full data inventory. This means not only discovering what types of data you own, it also means fully understanding how data is currently created, modified, and stored. The process will help you analyze what is currently working and what needs to change.
• Know who your business champions are. Identify key individuals throughout the organization across all departments who can help better the data storage process and define the steps that need to be taken to meet real-world needs. IT must have partners to make a true and lasting impact.
• Educate the organization. It is essential that you educate the organization on the importance of the data storage system and develop proper training. It is also a great idea to set up a knowledge base or forum that answers specific questions that may arise over time.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for all organizations, but it is important that you consider the big picture at all times.
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