Posts by totaldatamigration
Data Tape Storage Market Continues to Grow
The market for data storage tapes continues to grow, boosted by the strong adoption of the LTO-9 format. LTO (Linear Tape Open) remains the most popular format for magnetic tape storage, though many enterprises still rely on legacy solutions like DLT (Digital Linear Tape) and AIT (Advanced Intelligent Tape). LTO-9 features a capacity of 18…
Read More4 Tips for Successful Database Migration
Migrating data from one database to another can be beneficial for a number of reasons. The new database might offer enhanced security, better performance, or more scalability — and if your current data ecosystem is heavily fragmented or outdated, migration can provide an immediate return on investment. However, database migration can be risky without…
Read MorePlanning Tape Data Migration: 5 Key Factors for Success
Data tape migration isn’t an everyday process, but it’s a crucial undertaking when upgrading to new backup software or switching to a new format. Moving terabytes of data requires extensive knowledge and expertise; unfortunately, most IT departments are ill-equipped to handle the work without seriously compromising other essential activities. By planning tape data migration carefully,…
Read MoreEmail Retention and Litigation: How Backup Tapes Create Issues for Attorneys
In litigation, relevant communications are invaluable evidence, and emails frequently play key roles in court decisions and settlements. Many organizations are required by law to retain all emails for a specific period — and when litigation begins, email retention requirements must be executed immediately and thoroughly. Today, most enterprises have established email retention policies for…
Read MoreRansomware Attacks and Tape Backups: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
The rise of ransomware has highlighted the need for air-gapped backups, and data tapes have become the most popular tools for fighting back. The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends offsite, offline backups as a ransomware mitigation strategy, noting that most ransomware infections cannot be resolved without restoring from a backup (or…
Read MoreFujifilm Introduces 45TB LTO-9 Tape, A Landmark in Air-Gapped Storage
On Sept. 7, 2021, Fujifilm Recording Media USA officially announced the launch — and crucially, the availability — of the Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 9 data cartridge. The LTO-9 format is widely expected to supplant LTO-8 as the data tape cartridge of choice for enterprise archival storage. That process may take years; enterprise adoption of new…
Read MoreLTO-9 is Fully Backward-Compatible with LTO-8
Fujifilm has announced its first data tape cartridge using the specifications of the Linear Tape Open (LTO) Ultrium 9 specifications. LTO-9 tapes offer a 50% improved capacity over the previous generation (LTO-8) with enhanced access speeds of up to 900 megabytes per second (MB/s). Crucially, LTO-9 is fully backward-compatible with the previous generation. Backwards compatibility…
Read MoreMigrating Legacy Tapes to New Backup Software: Factors to Consider
Maintaining a legacy archive can be expensive and inefficient, especially when legacy tapes use outdated backup software. Nevertheless, many enterprises retain their legacy systems for years — or even decades — after switching to a new software solution. This can be costly; staff need to receive training for both the new and the legacy backup…
Read MoreWhat Law Firms Should Know When Accessing Data Tape Cartridges
Data tape restoration can be challenging, particularly when the data is pertinent to a legal action. That’s true for both archival data migration projects (backups retained by a law firm to comply with court orders and/or regulatory requirements) and tape restoration projects. At Total Data Migration, we work frequently with law firms and electronic discovery…
Read MoreReducing the Cost of Data Tape Restoration in Litigation Response
Backup tapes are commonly targeted during electronic discovery, but without proper methodology, tape restoration can be expensive and burdensome. Law firms have an obligation to limit costs, and an experienced tape restoration partner can be an important resource. A backup set is likely to contain a large amount of redundant and irrelevant data. Combing through…
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