Although cloud storage has grown in popularity, many firms still store their data on tape. This dated technology offers enhanced safety by permitting off-premises storage, in addition to being a cost-effective strategy. Due to its exceptional reliability, tape backup has been a well-liked data-storing technique for many decades.
For many businesses looking for reliable data security and disaster recovery solutions, this “old cargo” still represents an important and sensible option.
Here, we’ll talk about why companies continue to use tape storage backups despite there being more advanced options.
The Resilience of Tradition
While disk-based and cloud-based storage has received a lot of attention lately, tape backup cannot be disregarded due to its durability and robustness. The history of tape technology dates back many years, and its continued use is proof of its dependability. The same qualities that have kept tape backup alive over time are also what keep organizations interested in it now.
1: Scalability and High Capacity
A lot of storage and scalability are available with tape backup. The most recent LTO 9 tapes, for example, support up to 45 Terabytes of uncompressed data storage. Furthermore, if you require a larger volume of storage, you can add more cassettes.
In addition, the linear scalability of the tape backup enables the insertion of more cassettes, thereby expanding storage capacity.
2: Cost-Efficient
When it comes to price per gigabyte, tape backups are far less expensive than disc or cloud backups. Additionally, tape drives can be utilized for offline data storage, which lowers support and maintenance expenses.
The most economical method of archiving huge amounts of legacy data is thought to be tape backup. It is impractical to transfer data from the tape cartridge to a new media after first converting legacy data into a suitable current format.
3: Portability
You can easily pick up these tape backup machines after writing data to tape cartridges and move them to an offsite location. You can quickly gather tape cartridge backups and move them to a more safe area in case of any potential threat to your tape storage facility.
You will need to move substantial volumes of data over the network to a new backup site to safeguard data from cloud or disc storage areas. Such procedures take time and risk interfering with essential production processes.
4: Offline Data Protection
Due to growing cybersecurity concerns, the idea of “air-gapping,” which entails physically separating data from the internet or other networks, has gained popularity. The ability of tape backup to be detached from the network reduces the attack surface and improves security against online threats like ransomware. This method works well with tape backup.
5: Long Lasting
Experts in data storage have a saying. Hard discs come in two varieties: those that have already failed and those that will eventually fail. In terms of performance and versatility. New technologies such as cloud storage, flash storage, and magnetic storage do indeed provide a lot.
But in terms of shelf life, they fall well short of tape storage. They are not even close. The typical lifespan of tape storage is 30 years.
Disc storage, on the other hand, usually starts to malfunction after five years. Currently, the only medium that will keep data safe for a very long time is tape storage.
6: Quick Adaptation to Modern Needs
Tape technology has developed to meet the needs of contemporary data storage, thus it is far from being obsolete. For instance, linear tape-open (LTO) technology has advanced with greater capacities and quicker data transfer speeds.
Its suitability for modern data-intensive activities as a result of this evolution demonstrates its continuous significance in the face of shifting technological environments.
7: Enhanced Encryption and Security
Tape backup is still under investigation due to worries about digital security. Modern tape backup methods, however, address these concerns by including encryption technologies. These safeguards minimize the danger of unauthorized access and data breaches while ensuring data protection both during storage and transport.
This enhanced layer of protection addresses concerns about protecting sensitive data in an environment where cyber threats are growing.
When you’re prepared to stop using tape, moving doesn’t have to be difficult
Moving away from a tried-and-true backup method that has done well for your business for many years can be challenging. At the same time, there is a growing push for businesses to abandon tape, particularly as disc and cloud backup solutions advance.
When it comes to many businesses, the question is not “if,” but rather “when,” particularly if they have a corporate mandate to modernize and converge their enterprise data protection environments.
Conclusion
In the quick-paced world of technology, tape backup is frequently regarded as “old cargo,” yet it still has a stunning significance that cannot be discounted. A bridge between the present and the future of data storage is provided by tape backup.
Despite the continued development of newer technologies. Tape backup demonstrates that often the most durable solutions are the ones that endure the test of time as the business landscape continues to change.
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