Comparing tape solutions
The system supports various single tape devices, autoloaders, and tape libraries. Compare the various devices for a tape solution.
Note: Some of the older tape devices and tape libraries that are shown
are no longer supported on newer server models or newer IBM i releases.
| Product name | Description | Media | Storage | Data transfer | Drives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single tape devices | |||||
| IBM® 3580 Ultrium External Tape Drive | The 3580 is an external tape device that complies with Linear Tape-Open (LTO) specifications. | 1 cartridge type | Ultrium 1: Up to 100 GB (200 GB compressed) | Ultrium 1: Up to 15 MBps (30 MBps compressed) | 1 |
| Ultrium 2: Up to 200 GB (400 GB compressed) | Ultrium 2: Up to 35 MBps (70 MBps compressed) | ||||
| IBM 3580 Ultrium External Tape Drive | The 3580 is an external tape device that complies with Linear Tape-Open (LTO) specifications. Ultrium 4 (LTO 4) and newer drives support data encryption when they are in a tape library device. | 2 cartridge types 1 data 1 WORM |
Ultrium 3: Up to 400 GB (800 GB compressed) | Ultrium 3: Up to 80 MBps (160 MBps compressed) | 1 |
| Ultrium 4: Up to 800 GB (1600 GB compressed) | Ultrium 4: Up to 120 MBps (240 MBps compressed) | ||||
| Ultrium 5: Up to 1.5 TB (3.0 TB compressed) | Ultrium 5: Up to 140 MBps (280 MBps compressed) | ||||
| Ultrium 6: Up to 2.5 TB (6.25 TB compressed) | Ultrium 6: Up to 160 MBps (400 MBps compressed) | ||||
| Ultrium 7: Up to 6.0 TB (15 TB compressed) | Ultrium 7: Up to 300 MBps (600 MBps compressed) | ||||
| Ultrium 8: Up to 12.0 TB (30 TB compressed) | Ultrium 8: Up to 300 MBps (600 MBps compressed) | ||||
| Ultrium 9: Up to 18.0 TB (45 TB compressed) | Ultrium 9: Up to 300 MBps (600 MBps compressed) | ||||
| IBM System Storage Enterprise Tape Drive 3592 | The 3592 is a tape device that provides both fast access to storage and high-capacity storage. | 4 cartridge types 2 data 2 WORM |
J1A: 300 GB (900 GB compressed) per cartridge | J1A: 40 MBps (100 MBps compressed) | 1 |
| IBM System Storage Enterprise Tape Drive 3592 | The 3592 is a tape device that provides both fast access to storage, high-capacity storage, and data encryption. | 16 cartridge types 10 data 6 WORM |
E05: 700 GB (2.1 TB compressed) | E05: 100 MBps (250 MBps compressed) | 1 |
| E06: 1.0 TB (3.0 TB compressed) | E06: 120 MBps (250 MBps compressed) | ||||
| E07: 4.0 TB (12.0 TB compressed) | E07: 250 MBps (575 MBps compressed) | ||||
| E08: 10.0 TB (30.0 TB compressed) | E08: 360 MBps (600 MBps compressed) | ||||
| 55F: 15.0 TB (45.0 TB compressed) | 55F: 360 MBps (600 MBps compressed) | ||||
| 60F: 20.0 TB (60.0 TB compressed) | 60F: 400 MBps (830 MBps compressed) | ||||
| 70F: 50.0 TB (150.0 TB compressed) | 70F: 400 MBps (890 MBps compressed) | ||||
| Tape libraries | |||||
| IBM System Storage TS2900 Tape Library | The IBM System Storage TS2900 Tape Autoloader Express is designed for entry level automated backup for rack systems and small to midsize business environments. | Up to 9 cartridges | Varies according to drives | Varies according to drives | 1 |
| IBM System Storage TS3100 and TS3200 Tape Library | The TS3100 and TS3200 provide for a wide range of backup, archive, and disaster recovery data storage needs. They comply with Linear Tape-Open (LTO) specifications. | 24 - 48 cartridges (depending on model) | Varies according to drives | Varies according to drives | 1 - 4 (depending on model) |
| IBM System Storage TS3310 Tape Library | The TS3310 provides for a wide range of backup, archive, and disaster recovery data storage needs. It complies with Linear Tape-Open (LTO) specifications. | 36 - 402 cartridges (depending on model) | Varies according to drives | Varies according to drives | 1 - 18 (depending on model) |
| IBM System Storage TS3400 Tape Library | The TS3400 provides an enterprise-class tape solution that provides the highest levels of performance and reliability with 3592 tape devices. | 18 cartridge slots | Varies according to drives | Varies according to drives | 1 or 2 |
| IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library | The TS3500 provides for a wide range of backup, archive, and disaster recovery data storage needs. It complies with Linear Tape-Open (LTO) and 3592 Enterprise tape drive specifications. | Up to 15,000 cartridges (depending on model) | Varies according to drives | Varies according to drives | 1 - 192 (depending on model) |
| IBM System Storage TS4300 Tape Library | The IBM TS4300 Tape Library is a high-density, highly scalable, easy-to-manage solution designed to keep data securely stored long term. | Up to 272 cartridges. | Varies according to drives. | Varies according to drives | 1 to 21 |
| IBM System Storage TS4500 Tape Library | The IBM TS4500 tape library is a storage solution that is designed to help midsize and large enterprises respond to storage challenges. | Up to 4690 cartridges (depending on model) | Varies according to drives | Varies according to drives | 1 - 60 (depending on model) |
| IBM Diamondback Tape Library | The IBM Diamondback tape library is a storage solution that provides ultra-high-density storage | Up to 1584 cartridges | Varies according to drives | Varies according to drives | Up to 14 |