LTO-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 is one of the primary marketing points of the LTO format: Enterprises can use LTO-8 tapes in LTO-9 drives, just as they could read LTO-7 tapes with LTO-8 hardware.

At Total Data Migration, we offer a comprehensive set of archiving and backup services including magnetic tape migration, conversion, and restoration. We’re excited about the capabilities of the LTO-9 format, and we’re ready to help your organization take full advantage of the benefits.

If your enterprise is considering an upgrade to LTO-9, it’s helpful to understand the capabilities — and limitations — of backwards-compatibility.