Taking Back Control Of Your Archive Easily And Securely

For many years, we have been fed the line 'Use the cloud' but in actual fact, has anyone looked at the cost of using the cloud or the robustness and confidentiality of the storage?

For broadcasters and other professionals users, if not the cloud, what are the options?

In simple terms- your business depends on your assets – we are all proud of what we create and want to make sure it is kept and used in the best possible way. If you are working on an ad for Coca Cola, Schweppes or others; are you 100 per cent confident of your storage medium? Is your programme fully protected? Exactly the same question applies for an R&D project.

Firstly let's consider using tape, as opposed to the cloud, for storage and archiving. The first reaction to the idea of using tape for data storage is often one of horror. Tape is widely considered to be rather antiquated and unreliable. In fact the opposite is true. It is interesting to note that organisations such as CERN, now use alternatives in place of the Cloud. This is done for two reasons, Cost and Security.

The scientists at CERN in Switzerland, one of the worlds most important centres for scientific research, being also the home of the Large Hadron Collider, rely entirely on tape storage via Linear Tape Open (LTO) systems. The LTO tape cartridge boasts many advantages including the fact that it is separate from the internet so cannot be corrupted or hacked. Also, whereas hard drives have an average lifespan of five years, tape has a lifespan of at least thirty years. An LTO cartridge can hold 18tb of data or up to 45tb of data when said data is compressed. Can the same be said of the cloud?

Alternatively, if you don't use the cloud, the other option is local storage on for example Network Attached Storage systems (NAS) but what happens when your NAS is full. Well, instead of using the cloud with its associated security risks, you could take the option to move some items to say an LTO. The new LTO tapes such as LTO9 are robust, cost effective, secure and last for 30 years.

So, how do you connect an LTO to a NAS or to your workstation? Historically this was done via SAS which needed a lot of knowledge and IT support but now, with the Unitex LTO Tape Drive, it is possible with Direct connection to USB port making it a simple task even for users with limited IT knowledge.

Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Newbury based Cache Media Ltd., Unitex is a Japanese company and has personnel from IBM, Hitachi, and other leading companies. The Unitex LTO tape drive is notable by the fact that it is the only LTO system that uses a USB3.0 interface, meaning connection to a laptop, workstation or NAS is simple plug and play. The drives are complemented by user-friendly software, designed to simplify data management tasks such as backups and archiving. These intuitive interfaces empower users to navigate through the storage process effortlessly, minimising the learning curve associated with data storage solutions.

Stuart Cameron MD of Cache Media Ltd said: "USB devices are known for their seamless integration with operating systems. Unitex LTO tape drives, utilising USB 3.0, typically benefit from simple operation for driver installations reducing the need for users to delve into manual setup procedures. This inherent compatibility enhances the user experience, particularly for those without extensive IT expertise."

The Unitex LTO Systems' Plug-and-Play advantage has garnered widespread support from companies including Hitachi, as the most decisive factor in introducing USB-LTO drive, as well as the enhanced security compared to using the cloud, is the convenience of being able to connect it directly to QNAP NAS with a USB 3.0 cable. All LTO drives except UNITEX LTO drive are SAS interface requiring the purchase of a SAS card and compatibility test between QNAP NAS and LTO drive via a SAS card. On the other hand, UNITEX USB-LTO drive can be utilised with a simple USB connection. USB 3.0 ensures that LTO tape drives can be connected to various workstations without compatibility concerns. The universality of USB minimises the need for additional converters or adapters, contributing to a hassle-free user experience.

The USB interface board inside the LTO drive is Unitex proprietary technology, the only USB-LTO drive in the world, and it is more costly than the SAS-LTO drive, but USB-LTO drives can be used in a wide range of applications, including with QNAP NAS systems used by the majority of large data storage requirements across the world.

In conclusion, the choice between the cloud, LTO tape systems and hard drives ultimately depends on the user's specific needs and preferences. For those prioritising security, simplicity, ease of use, and a plug-and-play experience, LTO tape systems with USB 3.0 connectivity present a compelling solution. Particularly when complemented by the after sales advice and support provided by Cache Media Ltd.

In the dynamic realm of data storage, understanding the nuances of different technologies empowers users to make informed decisions based on their unique requirements. As technology continues to evolve, the balance between ease of use, long life reliability and advanced capabilities will likely shape the future landscape of storage solutions.