Ultrium boost
Ultrium boost
In a new boost to the Linear Tape Open (LTO) format, StorageTek is to extend its tape library portfolio by developing libraries using Hewlett-Packard's Ultrium drives in an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) deal.
HP's Ultrium drives and cartridges include Cartridge Memory, which holds identification, usage and directory data. For this project, a corresponding chip designed into StorageTek's library picker arm enables its libraries to access this information without physically touching the cartridge.
This feature permits auditing in less time, and improves management capabilities over the library. HP's Ultrium product is based on the LTO Ultrium format developed by HP, IBM and Seagate, and designed for mid-range and enterprise environments. The format roadmap specifies four generations of drives, with each doubling capacity and performance to a 1.6TB, 320MBps porduct.
The Ultrium drive is scheduled to ship to HP's OEM customers in the first half of 2000.