Connecting SAS Tape Drives to Ethernet Networks
MIND THE GAP
by Gavin Sutton, Head of Marketing
No, this is not going to be another blog about AI. But AI has reinforced the need for long term data retention, as the more data that goes into LLMs, the better the outcomes. The most cost-efficient and secure way of storing this data is with tape, so it is no surprise that we continue to see tape storage grow year on year. However, tape is often difficult to integrate with modern network environments, especially as businesses increasingly rely on Ethernet-based infrastructures. In this blog we discuss how to make this a possibility for your customers.
The Challenge: Bridging SAS and Ethernet
Many businesses will still rely on SAS-based tape drives and libraries but will face several hurdles when trying to connect them to their existing IP-based storage networks.
When customers don’t have their SAS tape integrated into Ethernet networks, they face accessibility issues because traditional SAS connections restrict tape access to locally attached servers.
Not only that, but complex data workflows can occur when moving data between networked storage and SAS tape, introducing inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
Finally, there is often a requirement for dedicated servers for managing backup processes and storage, leading to increased infrastructure costs for customers.
The answer lies in iSCSI connectivity…
A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
ATTO Technology’s XstreamCORE 8100T acts as a critical bridge, converting SAS connectivity into iSCSI over Ethernet, making tape storage accessible across the network. This means businesses can efficiently deploy and manage SAS-based tape libraries in their Ethernet-driven environments without major infrastructure overhauls.
Key Benefits of ATTO 8100T:
- Seamless Integration – Connects SAS tape devices to existing Ethernet networks without disruption.
- Extended Accessibility – Enables multiple servers to access tape storage over iSCSI, increasing operational flexibility.
- Cost Efficiency – Eliminate the need for dedicated tape servers and reduce infrastructure costs.
- Optimised Data Transfer – ATTO’s technology ensures high-performance, low-latency access to tape storage.
Connecting Quantum & Spectra Logic Tape Libraries
For your customers that are using Quantum or Spectra Logic tape libraries, the ATTO 8100T can bring them immediate advantages, providing them with network-based access to their tape systems. This will allow your customers to streamline their backup and archival workflow across multiple locations and ensure the advantages of tape storage are adapted to modern network demands.
Modern problems require modern solutions!
With IT environments becoming increasingly network-centric, ATTO’s 8100T bridges the gap for customers to connect SAS tape drives and libraries and leverage tape for secure, cost-effective storage. If you customers have Quantum and Spectra Logic tape drives, the 8100T allows them to integrate them into Ethernet networks, reducing complexity, improving efficiency, and future-proofs their storage architecture. For customers looking to extend the value of their tape storage while simplifying their IT environment, iSCSI connectivity is the key to unlocking new levels of flexibility and efficiency.