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Writer's pictureNelson Nahum

Why Geyser Data Cloud Storage on Tape Can Be a Green Game-Changer

In the digital age, data storage has become a critical component of our lives and the backbone of industries around the world. The need for efficient, reliable, and sustainable storage solutions has never been more apparent. Enter Geyser Data Cloud Storage, an innovative solution that leverages Linear Tape-Open 9 (LTO-9) technology. This blog post delves into the environmental advantages of tape-based storage over traditional disk-based systems, focusing on their potential to significantly reduce CO2e emissions.


Tape Storage - Geyser Data
Geyser Data - Green Game-Changer

Understanding CO2e Emissions in Data Storage

Before we compare the two storage methods, it's crucial to understand the metric of CO2e, or carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, which allows for the comparison of emissions from various greenhouse gases on the basis of their global warming potential (GWP).

A single LTO-9 tape in the Geyser Data Cloud Storage emits just 1.26 Kg of CO2e annually, whereas a conventional 18TB hard disk drive is responsible for 45.9 Kg of CO2e each year. This stark difference highlights the potential for tape storage to dramatically lower the carbon footprint of data centers.


CO2e Emission Comparisons

Tree Absorption: An average mature tree can absorb about 21 kg of CO2 per year. To offset the emissions from one 18TB hard disk drive, approximately two trees would be needed. In contrast, the emissions from an LTO-9 tape could be offset by just a fraction of a tree's annual absorption capacity.

Electricity Usage in a Home: The average U.S. household consumes about 10,649 kWh of electricity annually, emitting roughly 4,260 kg of CO2e, considering the national average emission intensity. Thus, the emissions from a single hard disk drive are equivalent to approximately 1% of the annual electricity-related emissions of an average household. In contrast, the emissions from an LTO-9 tape represent a mere 0.03% of this total.

Air Travel: Considering that a cross-country flight in the U.S. emits about 0.20 kg of CO2e per mile per passenger, the annual emissions from a single 18TB hard disk drive equate to about 230 miles of air travel (roughly the distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles). The emissions from an LTO-9 tape are equivalent to merely 6.3 miles, less than the distance of many daily commutes.


The Green Potential of Geyser Data Cloud Storage

The environmental benefits of Geyser Data Cloud Storage based on tape technology are clear. By significantly reducing CO2e emissions, tape storage not only helps in fighting climate change but also offers a sustainable alternative that can lead to substantial energy and cost savings over time.


In an era where digital data is expanding exponentially, choosing the right storage solution is not just a technical or financial decision, but also an environmental one. Geyser Data Cloud Storage stands out not only for its efficiency and reliability but also for its commitment to sustainability, offering organizations a way to store their data responsibly while minimizing their environmental impact.


A Sustainable Future

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, it's imperative that we prioritize solutions that address not only our immediate needs but also the long-term health of our planet. Geyser Data Cloud Storage, with its innovative use of LTO-9 tape technology, represents a step in the right direction, offering a scalable, reliable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disk-based storage systems. Geyser Data provides full metrics of the CO2e emissions savings for every customer.


By embracing such technologies, we can ensure a more sustainable future for data storage and beyond.



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