Whether you are new to the data storage industry or are considered a veteran in it, you have probably heard of magnetic tape. While there are a number of tape models and libraries, the basic concept of tape storage has stayed constant through the years.
Tape data storage traces its origins way back before the digital age to when audio recordings were prominent. In the late 1920s, tape storage was originally used for audio storage. Over time, it began to evolve and became the main method used for radio and recording artists. There are quite a number of reasons why magnetic tape is still so key to the storage industry all these years later. We’ll review just a few of them below:
The technology continues to adapt.
It is clear that this medium is here to stay due to its ability to adapt with the technology in its current state. Though it began as a way to store singular audio recordings, magnetic tape can now be used for a variety of storage needs. Even some of the largest technology companies in the world like the behemoth Google, use this to store critical data in case of a vital recovery. (Google actually had to utilize their tape storage to restore email accounts back in 2011). If that doesn’t already convince you, there’s more.
Tapes have become scalable.
As the volume of data produced has increased, so has its storage capabilities. With the invention of high capacity tapes, magnetic tapes have even surpassed disk-based technologies. These particular tapes have the capacity to hold more than six terabytes of storage – that’s seriously impressive. Plus, they have evolved to accommodate a plethora of tape libraries, which can store a virtually infinite amount of data.
They are much more portable compared to other options.
When it comes to disaster recovery for your data, you want to ensure you have a reliable hard copy. You also want this to be in an offsite location. However, rather than an entire server, which cannot be moved in the event of an emergency, tape data storage can be physically packed up and brought with you wherever you need to go.
It provides a cost-effective option.
When you have a large amount of data that needs to be safely backed up, you won’t want it to break the bank. Magnetic tape is actually a surprisingly cost-effective option when you need third-party support solutions to rely on. Though the initial equipment has an upfront cost, overtime, the actual tapes become the most affordable option, especially in comparison to hard drives and even cloud storage technology.
Tape libraries are here to stay.
More than anything, tape data storage is here to stay just based on its current longevity. When you consider how rapidly technology has rendered things obsolete, it is clear that tape data storage methods do something right. The fact that they have been a go-to option for decades, despite how far technology has come, speaks volumes. Plus, they not only have been around for a long time, but they can physically be used to securely hold data for quite some time.
Overall, though the process may seem a bit archaic, tape storage is a stable and secure way to back up your organization’s data. There is a reason why this method can trace its origins all the way back to the 1920’s. Despite recent advancements, it is certainly a method that won’t be going anywhere. Due to its cost efficiency, adaptability, reliability, scalability and portability, you can rest assured that tape data storage will meet your recovery needs for important data for years to come.
