In a world that is obsessed with super-fast SSDs and high-capacity HDDs, it may come as a surprise to some that magnetic tape storage is still very much in demand. The use of magnetic tape for data storage dates back to the early days of computing, but many believed that it would soon be obsolete with the rise of more advanced storage options like floppy disks and hard disk drives. However, recent reports have shown that the demand for magnetic tape storage is still strong, with almost 153 exabytes of tape being shipped worldwide in 2023.
The Role of LTO Ultrium Format
Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, and Quantum Corporation are the driving forces behind the LTO (Linear Tape-Open) Ultrium format, which is used in magnetic tape cartridges capable of storing up to 18TB with a read speed of 400 MB/s. While these numbers may not seem impressive compared to other storage options, LTO is primarily used for system backups and data archives where raw speeds are not as crucial. The key advantage of magnetic tape storage lies in its low cost-per-GB, making it an attractive choice for organizations looking for cheap, large-scale, long-term storage solutions.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Tape Storage
Despite its fragility and slower access speeds compared to SSDs and HDDs, magnetic tape continues to be a popular choice for data storage due to its cost-effectiveness. The reliability and robustness of LTO storage cartridges have further cemented the position of magnetic tape as a viable option for organizations dealing with massive amounts of data. While the 153 exabytes of tape shipped in 2023 may seem like a significant figure, it is important to note that this number is based on a compression ratio, with the raw storage capacity being around 60 exabytes.
In comparison to magnetic tape storage, HDDs still reign supreme in terms of raw storage capacity. The shipment report from 2023 estimated that around 212 exabytes of HDDs were shipped in the last quarter of the year, surpassing the amount of magnetic tape storage. Large-capacity SSDs, while preferred for their performance, are still considerably more expensive than HDDs, making the latter a more practical choice for organizations looking for reliable and cost-effective storage solutions.
Until the cost of large flash chips becomes more affordable, magnetic tape storage and HDDs are likely to remain prevalent in the storage market. While SSDs offer superior performance, their higher cost limits their appeal for organizations requiring large-scale storage solutions. As the demand for data storage continues to grow, magnetic tape storage will continue to play a significant role in providing cost-effective and reliable storage options for businesses and organizations across the globe.
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