LTO Program Extends Product Roadmap Through Generation 8

April 14, 2010

Tools

Updated Roadmap Indicates Plans for Up To 32TB of Compressed Data on a Single Cartridge by Generation 8

SILICON VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Program Technology Provider Companies, HP, IBM and Quantum, today announced the extension of its product roadmap, providing details for two new generations.

Generations 7 and 8 have been added to the LTO product roadmap, calling for native capacities of 6.4 TB and 12.8 TB, respectively. Specifications include a larger compression history buffer which tests show can increase compression to 2.5 to 1. This can allow compressed cartridge capacities of 8 TB for generation 6, 16 TB for generation 7 and 32 TB for generation 8, helping users to store more data in less space and address cost control objectives.

Tape drive data transfer rates are anticipated to increase by 50 percent with each new generation, with plans for generation 6 to provide native transfer rates up to 210 MB per second, generation 7 up to 315 MB per second and generation 8 up to 472 MB per second.

“LTO compliant products have been a core part of storage solutions for over a decade due partly to a roadmap with a vision for future technology needs,” said Rob Clark, VP of Business Operations at Quantum. “With a clearly defined roadmap leading to the eighth generation, LTO Technology is addressing the growing demands of data protection in midrange to enterprise-class server environments.”

The LTO Program recently released specifications and new feature details for generation 5, offering a storage capacity of 3 TB (assuming 2:1 compressed) – a near doubling of capacity over the previous generation – and transfer rates of up to 280 MB per second (assuming 2:1 compressed). LTO Ultrium format generation 5 plans include new partitioning functionality enabling capabilities that can help enhance file control and space management, addressing the growing needs of marketplace segments such as Rich Media. More information on this highly-anticipated technology is planned for release later this year.

LTO format generation 5 drives are designed with backwards-compatible read-and-write capability with Ultrium format generation 4 cartridges, and backward read capabilities with generation 3 cartridges, helping to protect investments and ease implementation.

How to License LTO Ultrium Technology

The LTO Program has historically offered several different license packages – from enhanced packages that provide the specifications and licenses to manufacture products based on the LTO format, to basic packages providing LTO format specifications.

Buyers seeking LTO Ultrium format-compliant products should look for the LTO Ultrium format compliance verification trademarks on both tape drives and data cartridges. Storage and media manufacturers interested in licensing LTO formats may obtain information by contacting the LTO Program through www.ultrium.com/contact.php.

About Linear Tape-Open (LTO)

The LTO Ultrium format is a powerful, scalable, adaptable open tape format developed and continuously enhanced by technology providers HP, IBM Corporation and Quantum Corporation (and their predecessors) to help address the growing demands of data protection in the midrange to enterprise-class server environments. This ultra-high capacity generation of tape storage products is designed to deliver outstanding performance, capacity and reliability combining the advantages of linear multi-channel, bi-directional formats with enhancements in servo technology, data compression, track layout, and error correction.

The LTO Ultrium format has a well-defined roadmap for growth and scalability. The roadmap represents intentions and goals only. There is no guarantee that these goals will be achieved. Format compliance verification is vital to meet the free-interchange objectives that are at the core of the LTO Program. LTO Ultrium tape mechanism and tape cartridge interchange specifications are available on a licensed basis. For additional information on LTO, visit www.trustlto.com and the LTO Program Web site at www.ultrium.com.

Note: Linear Tape-Open, LTO, the LTO logo, Ultrium, and the Ultrium logo are registered trademarks of HP, IBM and Quantum in the US and other countries.