Why Should My Company Use a Tape Library For Data Backup?
Posted by Eric Bornfriend on Mon, Dec 12, 2011 @ 11:23 AM
Tape libraries are essential for those looking to have long-term storage of backups or archives. Many people wonder why use tape libraries? A tape library is an important storage device containing a number of tape drives. Because of its importance, it is crucial to consider a number of things before purchasing a tape backup system. Tape libraries are considered a step up from autoloaders, a less expensive tape backup device that only has one robotic arm to move one tape drive. While tape libraries are more costly, they offer a much higher capacity, additional features, and are more reliable that autoloaders. When it comes to tape libraries deciding what features are key can be a daunting task, but there are some factors individuals can use to make a decision. When you need to archive your data, and you don’t necessarily need to access it right now, but when you need it, you need it, that’s when you need to start thinking about tape backup and storage.
Another thing to think about is both the management and integration of tape libraries. Modern tape libraries are much smarter, easier to manage, and simpler to use. One of the reasons for the transformation is the changing nature of what is stored on a tape. Rather than just going about image dumping, businesses manage data archiving and backup to make things quicker to locate by creating separate sub-libraries for the various applications. This is one of the main reasons why companies use tape libraries.
Tape library expandability is another thing that should be thought of. Tape libraries vary greatly based on how expendable they are, such as the number of tapes and drivers it will support as well as the size of every expansion module. If a company deals with data growth, expandability becomes quite important. Companies should be able to add modules as they need to therefore spread of the expense of the library, and not purchase a tape library that is too big to fit the company’s needs. This is why tape libraries come in all different sizes. For example; the Quantum Scalar i40 and i80, are two of the smaller tape libraries, which are expandable up to 32TB and 64TB of backed up data. Then you have the Scalar i500 which is capable of handling up to 643TB of data. This is a midsized tape library compared to some giants, such as the Scalar i6000. The Scalar i6000 is expandable up to 5,322TB! Perfect for large companies requiring significant amounts of data archiving and tape backup.
If purchasing a tape library through a reseller, it is important to look at the product line being offered and ask for references. This is to ensure the reseller sells quality tape libraries and not something that is low quality. The last thing a company wants to do is by a tape library from a reseller and then it stops working quickly. This is where Instock Inc. comes in. Instock Inc. tests all of their products 100% to ensure they are working long before they get shipped out. Instock Inc. stocks more than 25,000 tape drives and tape library products. If you need any information or repairs/exchanges, than look no further. Visit http://www.instockinc.com for all your tape backup and tape library needs. Instock truly has it all. Some of Instock Inc.’s best sellers include the Scalar i2000, Scalar 50, Scalar 24, PX720, PX502.
Getting it right when choosing the right tape library is not magic, businesses need to put some thought and care into it. A modular tape library that is expandable and supported by essential management features and connected to modern backup software is going to support a business for many, many years, while giving them the peace and mind they need, knowing that their data is safely stored and not going anywhere.