Data Storage made Easy with Linear Tape File System
Linear Tape File System or LTFS, as it is popularly known as, is referred to the format of data recorded on a magnetic tape media as well as implementing the specific software using this data format, proving a file system interface to the data that is stored on magnetic tape. This self-describing tape format called Linear Tape File System was developed by IBM for addressing active archive requirements. This tape format allows one to use the tape media as a hard disk. Users can drag and drop files from server directly to the tape. In addition, they can view the list of their saved files with the help of a standard operating system directory. Thus, Linear Tape File System eliminates the requirement of a backup software catalog. Better yet, files can be restored by simply using point and click.
Linear Tape File System is a boon for those looking for active archive for their files. It is open standard and serves as a cross-platform. There are Linear Tape File Systems, which are interchangeable with various other LTO-5 brands. This active archive can be used the way one uses a USB flash drive – just load the Linear Tape File System formatted tape into the LTO-5 drive and then mount the tape into your file system. The tape will become visible just like a disk. This active archive uses specific software that generates as well as verifies hash code for all the files. This makes the file content integrity reliable. These storage drives and the tape media are monitored continuously to ensure that the at-risk media files are automatically rewritten to some other good media.
The introduction of Linear Tape File System formatted tape has made the use of tape both cost effective and energy-efficient. Tape has always known to be long-term and lowest cost storage medium to store data. However, they are complex to use and lack in file access structure. Moreover, the cartridges in the tape library cannot work on offline mode. On the other hand, disk is a great option for their online usability; but they are expensive, especially when one has to store bulk data. This is where the Linear Tape File System formatted tape comes into play and makes the concept of active archive a reality.
Linear Tape File System has also lowered the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for a company, when it comes to storage infrastructure. This cost effective and energy-efficient active archive separates tape from its backup applications. By using LTFS with LTO-5 drives, users can gain the capacity, scalability and flexibility that are required to use an active archive.
Crossroads StrongBox is designed to address the need for a low cost and highly reliable LTFS, presenting itself as traditional network-attached storage -NAS while leveraging the new LTO5 LTFS.
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