Quantum White Paper Sample

Traditionally, backups have been done from disk to tape, either a standalone tape drive or a drive in a tape library system. Recent technology evolution is seeing an increase in disk-to-disk (D2D) backups followed by a copy of data also being made to tape. With D2D backups serving as a staging or buffer area to hold current data copies, tape’s role is changing to holding larger copies of weekly or full backups, retaining gold or master backup copies and supporting data archiving and preservation.

Online primary storage has a focus on fast low-latency, or throughput reliable access to data while near-line secondary storage has a focus on low cost and high capacity. Long-term data retention requires a combination of ultra-low cost, good performance during storage and retrieval, and reduced footprint in terms of power, cooling, floor-space and economics (PCFE) - also known as a small green efficient and effective footprint - for inactive data.