Inactive files can now move off expensive flash storage onto tape without disappearing from search or AI data preparation. The option comes from a new partnership between Komprise and Spectra Logic.
Komprise indexes and analyses data across file and object storage. It then tiers cold data from primary storage to the Spectra BlackPearl Object Gateway. A searchable catalogue of the tiered data is kept for later use.
The pitch is cost. The companies point to a global DRAM shortage and a 6.5-fold year-on-year rise in enterprise TLC SSD prices. They expect the rises to continue into next year.
They also cite LTO tape providers reporting a 57 per cent year-on-year jump in shipped capacity for the first quarter of 2026. Demand for cost-effective, resilient storage drove part of the rise.
Before any data moves, a Komprise Flash Stretch assessment analyses usage, identifies inactive data ready for tiering and models the savings. The data analysed is indexed and classified at the same time.
Tiering is policy-based and transparent. Files moved to tape remain accessible from their original location, and policies can differ by department or dataset across billions of files.
Komprise tiers files as native objects and preserves file metadata, permissions and attributes. That avoids proprietary formats, keeps data portable and prevents costly rehydration.
BlackPearl Object Gateway provides Amazon S3-compatible access to Spectra disk and tape for long-term retention. It manages the tape behind the scenes so applications do not have to.
In supported configurations the combination offers encryption, object lock immutability and air-gapped tape copies for ransomware resilience.
Komprise Smart Data Workflows and its Universal File MCP server can still find, classify and curate datasets after the data has been tiered.
"Archive storage delivers compelling economics for data that organisations need to retain but rarely access, and AI is giving that data new value," said David Feller, CTO of Spectra Logic.
"Enterprises should not have to keep years of inactive cold data on their most expensive storage," said Krishna Subramanian, COO and co-founder of Komprise.
The joint solution is available now from either company and through authorised channel partners. Komprise offers an assessment through its website.