Backup Tape Rotation & Vaulting (Video)

By Ken Choi | July 21, 2017 | 4 minute read

Considering the amount of data backup tapes can hold, it’s critical to properly handle them to keep the data safe and intact. To do so, one of the best ways to protect tapes is through tape vaulting and rotation services as they can protect and extending the lifespan of backup tapes.

Learn more in the video or transcript below about backup tapes, tape rotation and vaulting, and the benefits of backup tapes along with methods for storage and increasing their longevity.

Video Transcription

Getting Started: Why Go for Tape Rotation & Vaulting?

One of the greatest struggles with document storage is finding the space for it, which is why many businesses turn to digital storage strategies.

Backup tape rotation is a cost-effective way to store and manage data by the terabyte, and in terms of protecting sensitive information, a secure and climate-controlled off site vaulting facility shields tapes from both physical and cyber threats.

What Is Tape Rotation and How Does It Work?

Backup tape rotation is a system for backing up and storing digital data on the magnetic tape that’s often used in cartridges and cassettes.

With a backup tape rotation scheme, the first step is setting up tracking for tape retention periods. Then, once those retention periods expire the tapes are cycled and reused—as a result minimizing the overall number of tapes needed for backups.

Backup Tape Types: Explore Your Backup Tape Options

• LTO (Linear Tape-Open): LTO-7 (released 2015)—300 MB/s transfer speed, 6.0 TB storage capacity
• DLT (Digital Linear Tape): DLT:S4A (released 2007)—80 MB/s transfer speed, 800 GB storage capacity
• DDS (Digital Data Storage): DAT-320 (released 2009)—12 MB/s transfer speed, 320 GB storage capacity

The Benefits of Backup Tape Rotation Schemes

It might be an older format for backing up data and documents, but backup tape rotation is a time-tested and still common storage strategy. From storing huge amounts of data to protection from cyber threats, the benefits of magnetic backup tape storage range widely:

Space and Cost Efficiency

Backup tape rotation is one of the easiest ways to store large amounts of data in a small space. Not only are tapes long lasting and unable to crash—they can also hold several terabytes of data.

Security

When stored securely, backup tapes are easier to protect and keep secure than digital files. Unlike with a DMS the tapes can’t be hacked, ensuring your data can’t put you at risk of a breach.

What Is Tape Vaulting and How Does It Work?

While there’s a lot of space saved with tiny tapes that can hold terabytes of data, those tapes still need to be stored somewhere.

With backup tape vaulting though, your tapes are stored at an off site facility where they can be given the safe and secure environment needed to maximize the lifespan, such as climate controls and armed security.

Vaulting’s Benefits: Off Site Vaulting Keeps Tapes Secure

Boosted security is one of the primary benefits from tape vaulting—on top of 24/7 security monitoring, humidity and temperature controls are also in place to help protect tapes from environmental damage.

Besides security though, backup tape vaulting also offers other advantages, such as:

• Emergency tape retrieval
• Tape indexing and tracking
• Tape pickup and drop off services

Are You Looking for Tape Rotation and Vaulting?

If you need secure backup tape rotation and off site vaulting services for your tape rotation scheme, Record Nations can help. With the ability to quickly and easily connect you to backup tape rotation and tape vaulting services in your area, we make the process as easy as possible.

Start the process by filling out the form, giving us a call at (866) 385-3706, or contacting us directly using our live chat. Afterwards, you’ll receive a free, non-obligation quote on all tape rotation and vaulting services.