By Phil Wandrei
Product Marketing Manager, Spectra Logic
Spectra understands IT organizations are facing the pressure of sustainability goals, and we are here to help. As IT operations contend with growing demands for data processing, storage and infrastructure, the environmental impact of power consumption and e-waste has become a pressing concern. Organizations are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, and companies like Spectra Logic are leading the way by embracing the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in their approach to sustainable technology practices.
Reusable Technology: A Hidden Gem of Sustainability
Imagine this scenario: Your organization needs to upgrade its tape library, but your existing tape drives and media are still working perfectly. Traditionally, this meant facing a tough choice— keeping aging equipment or investing in a brand-new system, potentially contributing to e-waste. Spectra Logic offers a better path forward. Through our innovative hardware migration, you can give your existing tape drives and media a new lease on life by integrating them into a modern Spectra tape library—even if they weren’t originally from Spectra.
Benefits for Your Budget and the Environment
1. Cost Savings through Reuse
Consider the investment your organization has made in its existing tape drives and media. Instead of scrapping everything for a complete system refresh, Spectra allows you to transfer these valuable components to a new Spectra library. This dramatically reduces your refresh costs while extending the life of your existing hardware. For many organizations, this can translate into savings of tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, making the transition to modern storage much more affordable.
2. Seamless Compatibility Across Generations
Spectra tape libraries are designed with versatility, supporting multiple generations of tape formats, including LTO Ultrium, IBM TS11XX and even Oracle T10000 drives. This allows you to continue using older media while gradually adopting newer technology at your own pace. With backward compatibility, you retain access to your archived data without a forced migration. Plus, adding newer drives means access to higher storage densities and improved performance—without abandoning your existing infrastructure.
3. Flexible Migration Paths
One of the most powerful features of Spectra tape libraries is their support for up to 20 partitions in a single system. Each partition functions as a virtual library, letting you run different tape drive generations simultaneously. This means you can maintain older drives to access archived data while adding new drives for current needs—all within the same physical library. This flexibility eliminates the need for parallel systems and provides a smooth transition as your storage needs evolve.
How Spectra Simplifies Hardware Reuse
Spectra simplifies hardware reuse with two straightforward options. The first is the “Straight Move,” a direct transfer of compatible drives into your new Spectra library. It’s a true plug-and-play solution compatible with many existing tape drives.
For tape drives that need a bit more help fitting in, there’s the “Sled Move” option. This uses a special mounting kit (called a sled) that handles power, cooling and connectivity for your existing drives in their new home. It’s like giving your older drives a new hardware interface for modern technology.
A Forward-Thinking Solution for Sustainable Data Storage
As data demands grow, the ability to reuse and repurpose storage hardware is crucial. Spectra helps organizations cut environmental impact while offering a practical, cost-effective route to modern infrastructure. Choosing Spectra tape libraries means committing to sustainability without sacrificing performance or adding to e-waste.
In a world where sustainability in data storage is increasingly essential, Spectra Logic allows you to maximize what you already own, offering a smart choice for your organization and the planet.
Contact Spectra Logic to learn more about Protecting Your Tape Technology Investment.
