Learn how open format compatibility between different LTO generations can benefit you and data archiving in your business in a scalable way.

Linear Tape-Open (LTO), also known as the LTO Ultrium format, [1] is a magnetic tape data storage technology used for backup, data archiving, and data transfer. It was originally developed in the late 1990s as an open standards alternative to the proprietary magnetic tape formats available at the time.

There are compatibility guidelines that need to be considered when working with Linear Tape Open (LTO) Ultrium tape units and cartridges.

Uninitialized M8 media and preinitialized M8 media are both supported with a minimum LTO 8 tape drive firmware level of HB82 and a minimum library firmware level 1.4.1.2. The usage of M8 media with prior firmware levels may result in a permanent reduction in the capacity of the M8 media from 9 TB to 6 TB (native).

The compressed capacity for the LTO 3, LTO 4, and LTO 5 cartridges use a 2:1 compression ratio. Uninitialized M8 media and preinitialized M8 media are both supported with a minimum LTO 8 tape drive firmware level of HB82 and a minimum library firmware level 1.4.1.2.

Jan 6, 2024 · Explore the essential features and compatibility of LTO (Linear Tape-Open) drives from LTO-1 to LTO-9. Compare cartridge capacities, performance, and compatibility to make informed data storage decisions. Save money with our LTO drives and cartridges offering up …

The HPE Data Availability, Protection and Retention Compatibility Matrix provides information for designing data protection solutions, including backup/restore/archiving using storage products. The StoreEver products have interoperability (IOP) …

Dell PowerVault Tape Compatibility Matrix on Dell Support describes that all LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 throughput are the same 300 MB/s, but the Dell PowerVault LTO Cartridges page and other vendor materials state the full-height drives have higher throughput.

Mar 6, 2020 · LTO Tape drives are backward compatible to write media of the prior generation. Additionally, an LTO drive can read media from two generations back, but it won't write data to the media.

LTO-9 is the latest format specification for LTO Ultrium tape drives and media. It provides significantly more capacity and higher performance that the previous generation, LTO-8. More capacity, less cost, and faster too.