At Connexion Point we are the tape drive specialists and experts on tape storage from stand-alone drives to Autoloaders, Libraries and industry specific applications.
Tape is alive and well and is still the preferred means for backup retention and archive data storage as well as 2nd tier storage. Current generation LTO Ultrium technology now stores up to 30TB* on a LTO-8 cartridge, with the technology road mapped to generation 12 which provides for 480TB* of data on a single cartridge (*assume 2.5:1 compression)! Storing and backing up data to tape remains the most cost effective and energy efficient way to manage the life cycle of stored data.
Why tape?
Digital magnetic tape has been recording, preserving and protecting data for over 60 years. Throughout this time it has constantly evolved to meet the core needs of business and currently combines its undeniable superiority in long term data retention (in excess of 30 years) with its lower cost per GB, lower operating cost and lower energy cost than other data storage options. In fact the Clipper Group established that the total cost of ownership (TCO) to implement a disk based solution for long term archiving is 26x the cost of a tape based solution.
Tapes robust, compact design also makes it ideal for moving large data sets off-site as part of a robust DR plan or between business entities.
Best brands, best quality
Connexion Point sources tape drive equipment providing the highest quality and reliability from leading brand manufacturers such as Dell, HP, IBM, Quantum, Tandberg and Sony. We also stock quality refurbished tape drives and autoloaders that have undergone extensive testing so you can operate confidently knowing your data resides on a tested platform. Whether you are looking for 20 year old tape hardware or the latest LTO we can help.
Backed by Warranty
New tape drive equipment is backed by the manufacturer’s warranty, and all refurbished tape drive equipment carries the CXP 6 month warranty, with extended warranties also available on request.
Our dedicated and committed team will help you source all models and brands of tape drives, irrespective of whether you are an end-user, re-seller or distributor.
Types
We sell and support most tape drives – if your tape drive type is not here please contact us directly, we will be able to help you.
Digital magnetic tape has been recording, preserving and protecting data for over 60 years. Throughout this time it has constantly evolved to meet the core needs of business and currently combines its undeniable superiority in long term data retention (in excess of 30 years) with its lower cost per GB, lower operating cost and lower energy cost than other data storage options.
Over this time various tape cartridge technologies have battled for technology and market supremacy. From the 120MB at 0.1MB/s SLR through Travan, DDS, DLT, AIT, VXA technologies to 18TB (native) at 1000MB/s LTO and enterprise solutions beyond.
In 1998 Certance (now Quantum), IBM and HP set out to create an “open format” so that users would have multiple sources of hardware and media. Their aim was to create a best-of-breed tape technology and Linear Tape-Open (LTO) was born. LTO has since become THE format of choice for all but a few data tape applications. A development roadmap culminating in generation 10 with an expected cartridge compressed capacity of 120TB and 2750MB/s LTO looks set to remain the tape technology of choice.
Current LTO generations include;
LTO9
LTO9 launched in September 2021 with a native capacity of 18TB (45TB compressed) and a data transfer rate of up to 400 MB/s (1000MB/s with compression). An LTO9 drive will read and write both LTO9 and LTO8 media only.
LTO8
LTO8 launched in November 2017 with a native capacity of 12TB (30TB compressed) and a data transfer rate of up to 360 MB/s (900MB/s with compression). An LTO8 drive will read and write both LTO8 and LTO7 media only.
LTO7
LTO7 launched in December 2015 with a native capacity of 6TB (15TB compressed) and a data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s (750MB/s with compression). An LTO7 drive will read and write to LTO7 and LTO6 media and read only LTO5.
LTO6
LTO6 launched in 2012 with a native capacity of 2.5 TB (6.25TB compressed) and a data transfer rate of up to 160 MB/s (400MB/s with compression). An LTO6 drive will read and write both LTO6 and LTO5 media and read only LTO4.
LTO5
The first LTO5 tape drives appeared on the market in 2010 with a nearly doubled native capacity to 1.5 TB (3TB compressed) and an increased data transfer rate to a maximum of 140 MB/s (290MB/s with compression). LTO5 is the first LTO generation to support media partitioning to enable functions like LTFS, making tape as simple to use as a USB key. An LTO5 drive will read and write both LTO5 and LTO4 media and read only LTO3.
LTO4
The Ultrium LTO4 technology offers up to 800GB native capacity (1.6TB compressed) with a transfer rate of up to 120 MB/s (240MB/s with compression). LTO4 is the first LTO generation to support AES 256-Bit encryption for data security. An LTO4 drive will read and write both LTO4 and LTO3 media and read-only LTO2.
All current LTO tape drive generations offer the following;
• “Open format” technology ensuring vendor neutrality.
• Support for AES 256-Bit encryption.
• Support write-once-read-many (WORM) media for data retention compliance.
• Available in Internal (server mount) or External (desktop) configuration.
• Available in 5.25-inch half-height (HH) and 5.25-inch full height (FH) form factors.
Connectivity options
As tape technologies have developed so has the connection interface. For current LTO stand-alone tape drive generations this has been consolidated to the following;
• Ultra-320 SCSI. This interface has been superseded by SAS and is only available with LTO4 or earlier generation tape drives
• SAS. The only interface offered by the tape drive manufacturers for LTO5 and later generations and an option for selected earlier generation LTO technologies.
• Thunderbolt. With LTFS demand driving LTO applications this has driven demand for Thunderbolt connectivity. Specialist company mLogic has created an integrated Thunderbolt/LTO6 device called mTape. ATTO also offer a Thunderbolt/SAS device for SAS LTO drive connection.
• USB3.0. With LTFS demand driving LTO applications this has driven demand for USB connectivity. Specialist company UNITEX has created a range of integrated USB3.0 connected, and Hybrid USB/SAS, LTO5 and LTO6 tape drives.
Linear Tape File System (LTFS)
While tape has been well supported by specialist backup/archive software providers it has often been accused of being complex to use and only able to be read by a vendor-specific configuration. LFTS is the game-changer. LTFS is an open standard format that is supported by all tape drive manufacturers adhering to the LTO Ultrium standard since LTO-5. All this means any user familiar with their operating system file management process can utilise LTFS to seamlessly manage files on LTO tape similar to the way they would manage a USB connected storage device. File transfer is as easy as Copy & Paste, Drag & Drop.
Internal Tape Drives (server mount)
Internal tape drive technology provides your business with a combination of high capacity and performance, low cost, fast media load and file seek time, strong reliability, lower power outage, and long-term market capability.
Internal tape drives are used mostly by medium to large-sized businesses, and although they are less costly than external tape drives they are less flexible and require more installation.
CXP sells and repairs all types of internal tape drives including well-known and highly respected brands such as HP internal tape drives, IBM internal tape drives and Quantum internal tape drives. Connexion Point has the specialist knowledge, skill and experience to discuss your requirements and needs when purchasing an internal tape drive and will help you choose a tape drive that is right for you.
External Tape Drives (desktop)
External tape drive technology provides your business with a combination of high capacity and performance, low cost, fast media load and file seek time, strong reliability, lower power outage, and long-term market capability.
External tape drives are more suitable for small businesses and are more portable and easier to install than internal tape drives.
CXP sells and repairs all types of external tape drives including well-known and highly respected brands such as HP external tape drives, IBM external tape drives and Quantum external tape drives as well as USB3.0 connected UNITEX LTO and Thunderbolt connected mTape LTO. Connexion Point has the specialist knowledge, skill and experience to discuss your requirements and needs when purchasing an external tape drive and will help you choose a tape drive that is right for you.
USB Connectivity
UNITEX – USB3.0 Connected Tape Drives
UNITEX of Japan has combined the proven attributes and economies of LTO tape with the ease of USB connectivity with their range of desktop USB3.0 connected, IBM LTO, tape drives. This connectivity eliminates the need for additional SAS controllers, Thunderbolt/SAS converters or Thunderbolt-enabled computers.
As an example the LTFS LT range is the ideal tool for the archive or transfer of large data sets (i.e. video files) from/between different OS platforms to/from LTO tape using the LTFS format. With USB3.0 connectivity maximum transfer speeds are up to 240MB/sec. Available in LTO8, LTO7, LTO6 and LTO5 configurations and USB/SAS hybrid for even greater connection flexibility and performance.
UNITEX LTO Tape Drives support LTFS (Linear Tape File System). With LTFS the LTFS LT range represents the LTO8/7/6/5 tape just like a hard drive or USB key to provide copying, moving and deletion functionality, as well as drag-and-drop capability in the user interface.
As an LTFS formatted tape can be read independently of the storage system this means any matching generation LTO tape drive will support access, now and in the future, to the tape contents. This is important for those industries wishing to share significant data sets as well as those concerned about their ability to access their archived data 5, 10, 20, 30 years from now.
LTO tape offers a storage medium with a shelf life and reliability that greatly exceeds that which is achievable with spinning disk, external HDD and/or solid-state technology.
LTFS LT range Highlights
• USB3.0 or USB3.0/SAS connectivity
• Available in LTO8, LTO7, LTO6 or LTO5 specification
• Supports LTFS for drag and drop functionality
• Up to 12TB native storage capacity per tape cartridge (LTO8)
• Mac OS X / Windows / Linux OS support
• Compatible with industry-leading backup and archiving software
• Supplied with UNITEX LTFS3000 software providing LTFS functionality
LTFS LT range Applications
•Archiving existing movies/videos
•Distribution of movies for post-production
•Archiving TV programs at TV network
•Archive/Distribution of CAD/CAM data
•Archiving high-resolution medical files or patient files
•Long-term IP tape storage for surveillance cameras
•Transfer the data from HDD to tape for long-term storage and saving energy
Thunderbolt Connectivity
With LTO increasingly used within the Media & Entertainment sector so to is demand for Thunderbolt connected LTO. This can be achieved with Thunderbolt/SAS bridging devices or an integrated solution. LTO/Thunderbolt solutions are available utilising LTO-9, LTO-8, LTO-7, LTO-6 technologies.
mTape® - Thunderbolt-enabled LTO-9 Tape Drive
mTape is the solution for the direct connection of LTO-9 tape technology to Thunderbolt-enabled computers.
As an example, mTape is the ideal tool for the archive or transfer of large data sets (i.e. video files) from a Mac Pro to 18TB LTO9 tape. With integrated Thunderbolt to SAS, bridge mTape provides a transfer speed of up to 300MB/sec.
mTape is compatible with all leading backup and archive software and supports LTFS (Linear Tape File System). With LTFS mTape represents the LTO-9 tape just like a hard drive or USB key to provide copying, moving and deletion functionality, as well as drag-and-drop capability in the user interface.
As an LTFS formatted tape can be read independently of the storage system this means any LTO-8 tape drive will support access, now and in the future, to the tape contents. This is important for those industries wishing to share significant data sets as well as those concerned about their ability to access their archived data 5, 10, 20, 30 years from now.
mTape® LTO9 Thunderbolt Highlights
• mTape LTO solutions are certified by Apple & Intel
• Supports LTFS for drag and drop functionality
• 18TB native storage capacity per tape cartridge
• LTO9 reads and writes to both LTO9 & 8 tapes
• Compatible with industry-leading backup and archiving software
• Dual Thunderbolt ports enables daisy-chaining of Thunderbolt peripherals
• Compact, portable form-factor
• DC powered - Enables use in any environment
• Mac OSX and Windows compatible
• Ships complete with Fujifilm Universal Cleaning Cartridge and 1m Thunderbolt cable
Freephone NZ: 09 478 9809
Email: info@cxp.co.nz
Connexion Point
6 Antares Place,
Rosedale
Albany, Auckland 0632
© 2021 by Connexion Point. Proudly designed and developed by Pixcel Digital.
Brands
Dell Tape Drives
Dell PowerVault LTO2
The Dell PowerVault 110T LTO-2-L offers up to a 86.4GB/hr transfer rate and a data capacity of up to 200GB1 on a single piece of tape media. The PowerVault LTO2 is the right choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking for affordable backup solutions.
Dell PowerVault LTO3
The Dell PowerVault LTO3 tape drive delivers high-capacity, high-performance backup with an open technology platform.
Dell PowerVault LTO4
The Dell PowerVault LTO4-120 is the first drive in its class to offer device-level encryption to help organisations protect their data efficiently without the added cost and expense of software base encryption.
Dell PowerVault LTO5
PowerVault LTO5 enables organisations to protect their data efficiently without the added cost and expense of software-based encryption and provides excellent security. The PowerVault LTO5 delivers 1.5TB (native) of information at up to 504 GB/hr (native).
Dell PowerVault LTO6
PowerVault LTO6 has a native capacity of 2.5TB and a native speed of 576 GB/hr. Upgrade from previous versions easily thanks to read/write compatibility with LTO-5 media and read compatibility with LTO-4. Device-level encryption helps to eliminate the necessity and cost of software-based encryption.
Dell PowerVault LTO7
PowerVault LTO7 has a native storage capacity of 6TB and a native speed of 1080GB/hr. Great upgrade option for LTO5/6 thanks to read/write compatibility with LTO-6 media and read compatibility with LTO-5.
Dell PowerVault LTO8
PowerVault LTO8 has a native storage capacity of 12TB and a native speed of 1080GB/hr. A natural upgrade option for LTO7 thanks to read/write compatibility with LTO-7.
Dell PowerVault LTO9
PowerVault LTO9 has a native storage capacity of 18TB and a native speed of 1440GB/hr. A natural upgrade option for LTO8 thanks to read/write compatibility with LTO-8.
HP StorageWorks Tape Drives
HP StorageWorks LTO2 448
The HP StorageWorks Ultrium LTO2 448 tape drive represents HP’s second generation of half-height LTO tape drive technology. It offers the highest capacity and performance in the StorageWorks family, delivering a compressed storage capacity of 400 GB per data cartridge and a data transfer rate of 172 GB per hour.
HP StorageWorks LTO2 460
The HP StorageWorks Ultrium LTO2 460 tape drive is the second generation of HP’s Ultrium tape drive family, delivering a compressed data capacity of up to 400 GB, and maximum data rate of up to 216 GB per hour.
HP StorageWorks LTO3 920
The HP StorageWorks LTO3 920 SCSI internal tape drive delivers 800 GB of capacity, is easy to install and integrate, and is One-Button Disaster Recovery (OBDR) supported.
HP StorageWorks LTO3 960
The HP StorageWorks LTO3 960 tape drive delivers a capacity of 800 GB of compressed data on a single cartridge with a data transfer rate of 160MB/sec. The 960 offers organisations with stringent, long-term data retention requirements a simple and secure method for archiving records.
HP StorageWorks LTO4 1760
HP StorageWorks LTO4 1760 tape drives set new standards for capacity, performance, manageability and security with a capacity of 1.6TB compressed data and a transfer rate of 576 GB/hr.
HP StorageWorks LTO4 1840
The HP StorageWorks LTO4 1840 delivers reliability and ease of use with a capacity of 1.6TB and a compressed data transfer rate of 240/MB/hr.
HP StorageWorks LTO5 3000
The HP StorageWorks LTO5 3000 delivers a data transfer rate of 1TB/hr and a compressed data capacity of 3TB.
HP StorageWorks LTO5 3280
The HP StorageWorks LTO5 3280 internal tape drive delivers a compressed data capacity of 3TB and a data transfer rate of 1TB/hr.
HP StorageWorks LTO6 6250
The HP StorageWorks LTO6 6250 is a half-height tape drive with a compressed data capacity of 6.25TB and a compressed speed of 1.4TB/hr.
HP StorageWorks LTO6 6650
The full height HP StorageWorks LTO6 6650 has a data capacity of 6.25TB (compressed) and a speed of 1.4TB/hr (compressed).
HP StorageWorks LTO7 15000
The HP StorageWorks LTO7 15000 is a half-height tape drive with a compressed data capacity of 15TB and a compressed speed of 2.7TB/hr.
HPE StoreEver LTO8 30750
The HP StoreEver LTO8 30750 is a half-height tape drive with a compressed data capacity of 30TB and a compressed speed of 2.7TB/hr.
HPE StoreEver LTO9 45000
The HP StoreEver LTO9 45000 is a half-height tape drive with a compressed data capacity of 45TB and a compressed speed of 2.7TB/hr.
Tandberg Tape Drives
Tandberg LTO3
The Tandberg LTO3 delivers a capacity of 400 / 800 GB and data transfer rate of 432 GB/Hr with proven reliability and low power costs and is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
Tandberg LTO4
The Tandberg LTO delivers 1600 GB of compressed data with proven reliability, high performance, low power consumption, and low media cost.
Tandberg LTO5
The Tandberg LTO5 can deliver a compressed data capacity of 24TB and performs up to 1.0TB/hr (compressed).
Tandberg LTO6
The Tandberg LTO6 delivers a capacity of 6.25TB (compressed) and speeds up to 1.4TB/hr (compressed).
Tandberg LTO7
The Tandberg LTO7 delivers a capacity of 15TB (compressed) and speeds up to 2.7TB/hr (compressed).
Tandberg LTO8
The Tandberg LTO8 delivers a capacity of 30TB (compressed) and speeds up to 2.7TB/hr (compressed).
Tandberg LTO9
The Tandberg LTO9 delivers a capacity of 45TB (compressed) and speeds up to 2.7TB/hr (compressed).
Other Tape Drive Brands
ADIC
Compaq
Exabyte
Hewlett Packard
IBM
Overland Storage
Quantum
Seagate
Sony
Spectra Logic
Sun
Tandberg
Certance
Qualstar