VMblog: Spectra Logic and Geyser Data Partner to Launch Industry-First Tape-as-a-Service Offering
May 14, 2024
Spectra Logic and Geyser Data announced a strategic partnership to jointly create and deliver the industry's first tape- as-a-service (TaaS) offering. TaaS is a modern data storage category that utilizes magnetic tape technology in a cloud-based, as-a-service model, combining the benefits of traditional tape storage, such as high durability and low cost, with the convenience and flexibility of cloud services.
The newly minted offering, to be known as Tape Archive Platform As-a-Service (TAPAS), will leverage the Spectra CubeTM cloud-optimized tape library, Spectra Certified LTO-9 media and Spectra BlackPearl S3- compatible object storage to create an object-based tape infrastructure that is fully compatible with any Amazon S3 or S3 Glacier application.
Geyser Data TaaS software will enable the provisioning, management, monitoring, billing and instantiation of the TAPAS offering. Service sales and delivery will be available through a global network of VARs, MSPs and data center providers.
TAPAS delivers the enterprise-class security, reliability and sustainability benefits of tape storage in a subscription-based model that can be instantly provisioned, is scalable on demand and requires no specialized knowledge or skills to use. The unique TAPAS architecture also provides significant advantages compared to public cloud storage services:
Data retrieval is fast and free. TAPAS data can be retrieved in seconds to minutes, not hours to days. There are no access charges or egress fees associated with the retrieval or removal of data. For an optional fee, tape cartridges may be delivered to the user if ever desired.
Data integration is simple and seamless. TAPAS can copy data to all major clouds, enabling cold data to be easily leveraged by AI, analytics or other applications.
Data security is enhanced. TAPAS uses dedicated tapes, physically segregating individual customer data and enabling true air-gapped isolation, significantly reducing exposure to cyber threats like ransomware. Tapes are stored in secure data center facilities with users retaining full control of data encryption keys and setting of access permissions, significantly reducing the likelihood of a data breach, even in the event of unauthorized physical access.
Data residency is user-determined. Users designate the physical locality of their data, avoiding unanticipated data residency, localization or sovereignty issues that can arise when using public cloud storage services.
Data longevity is extended. A conservative estimate of current-generation tape media life is 30 years, with five future tape generations defined on published roadmaps.
Data stored on tape is greener. Tape storage emits 97% less CO2 than hard disk drive-based storage while consuming 87% less power and generating 85% less e-waste.
Read full article: https://vmblog.com/archive/2024/05/14/spectra-logic-and-geyser-data-partner-to-launch-industry-first-tape-as-a-service-offering.aspx