Need advice on HP StoreEver Autoloader LTO-7

[qazza]

Hey all,

I'm starting to try moving all my media files (films and tv series) to a cold data storage kind such as tape. I found HP StorageWorks StoreEver 1/8 G2 Tape Autoloader LTO-7 for around 250 usd. My question is this:

Is this machine includes the tape drive that required to read and write the data?

Is this a good deal or is it too good to be true?

Is there anything to take into consideration such as software license or what kind of interfaces that it uses?

Does this have backward capabilities function to read and write pre-LTO-7 tapes?

Need your expertise at once, since i'm noob to storing data to tape.

[david91 · Accepted solution]

Hello,

Certainly! Let’s dive into your questions about the HP StorageWorks StoreEver 1/8 G2 Tape Autoloader LTO-7:

Tape Drive Inclusion:
Yes, the 1/8 G2 Autoloader includes a tape drive. Specifically, it supports LTO-7 Type M media. This means that an LTO-8 drive can write 9 TB (native) on a brand new LTO-7 cartridge, instead of the standard 6 TB specified by the LTO-7 format. Look for LTO-7 Type M cartridges with an automation barcode label ending in the last 2 characters “M8”.

The price you found seems reasonable for an LTO-7 autoloader. However, I recommend checking the condition of the unit, warranty, and any additional accessories or licenses included.
Verify the seller’s reputation and ensure the product is in good working order before making a purchase.
Considerations:
Software License: Confirm if the autoloader comes with any required software licenses. Some features may require additional licensing.
Interfaces: The 1/8 G2 supports SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) connectivity. Ensure compatibility with your existing infrastructure.
Backward Compatibility: Yes, it can read and write pre-LTO-7 tapes. LTO drives typically have backward compatibility for at least one or two previous generations.
General Tips:
Maintenance: Regularly clean the drive heads and replace tapes as needed.
Data Migration: Plan for data migration and retention strategies.
Air Gap: Consider keeping a copy offline (air-gapped) for data protection against ransomware.
Remember, tape storage is reliable and cost-effective for long-term archival, but it requires some understanding and care. Feel free to ask if you need further assistance.

Best Regards

david91

[support_s]

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