ACADEMIA

Tandberg Data announced a solution that allows its LTO-5 half-height (HH) Fibre Channel (FC) tape drive to connect to a Mac by using its Thunderbolt port along with PROMISE SANLink to provide users with high-performance LTO tape storage.  The solution is fully compatible with Thunderbolt technology that ships on the new MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Air.   For the first time, Mac users can affordably store High-Definition video and demanding workflow applications directly to LTO tape using Thunderbolt technology. With this solution, Mac users can store up to 3TB* of data in less than three hours* on a single $69 LTO-5 cartridge.

Tandberg Data and PROMISE Technology have tested and certified the solution to ensure full compatibility to the user. SANLink provides a dual 4Gbps Fibre Channel link that can be used to connect to external Fibre Channel storage. Each adapter features full-duplex capable FC ports that automatically detect connection speed and can each independently operate at 1, 2 or 4Gbps.

Tandberg Data’s LTO-5 tape drives store up to 3TB* per cartridge. Capable of data transfer rates of up to 280 MB/sec*, Tandberg Data’s LTO-5 drive dynamically and continuously adjusts the speed of the drive to keep drives streaming. This maximizes performance and reduces start/stops, which significantly increases the reliability of Tandberg Data’s drives and media. Tandberg Data also supports LTFS (Linear Tape File System), which allows the tape drive to operate like a hard disk with direct access without the need for tape backup software. The solution is also fully compatible with all major backup software packages.

“We are very pleased to be able to partner with Tandberg Data by certifying SANLink with their LTO-5 HH FC desktop tape drive,” said Venkat Ramakrishnan, Director of Products, PROMISE Technology. “This certification is another positive example of our ongoing dedication to improving workflows for creative professionals. Partnering with industry leaders like Tandberg Data allows us to address the compelling economics of today’s markets while developing industry-leading solutions that help media and entertainment professionals manage their digital assets.”

“Tandberg Data has been supplying tape solutions to the Mac market for decades,” said Marije Gould, Vice President of Marketing at Tandberg Data. “The introduction of the LTO-5 half-height desktop drive with Fibre Channel, together with the certification with the PROMISE SANLink, will provide Mac users with a fast and cost-effective way of storing terabytes of data for archiving purposes or for demanding workflow applications.”

Quick Look—Tandberg Data LTO-5 HH FC external tape drive features with PROMISE SANLink:

•     Capacity of 1.5TB / 3TB (native/compressed)
•     Performance up to 1TB/hr (compressed)
•     8Gb Fibre Channel connectivity
•     Thunderbolt connectivity with PROMISE SANLink
•     Low media cost
•     Low power consumption: 6.9 W (sleeping mode) and 20 W (operating mode)
•     Enterprise features and performance in a small desktop form factor
•     WORM and Encryption (AES 256-bit)
•     LTFS (Linear Tape File System) for Mac and Linux
•     Future-proof with eight-generation roadmap
•     Data speed matching reduces mechanical wear and extends tape life
•     Proven reliability MTBF of 250,000 hrs at 100% duty cycle
•     30-year archival life
•     Three years Advanced Replacement Service Warranty

Availability
Tandberg Data LTO-5 HH FC external tape drives and LTO-5 media are available through Tandberg Data’s established channel of distributor and reseller partners. MSRP pricing for the LTO-5 HH FC external tape drive is $3,395.00, and MSRP pricing for LTO-5 media is $69.00. All Tandberg Data LTO-5 HH FC tape drives come with a three-year warranty and Advanced Replacement Service.