Monday, September 21, 2009

What Is Linear Tape Open (LTO)?

By Mark Walters

LTO, which stands for Linear Tape Open, is a system of storing data that makes use of magnetic tape. LTO has been used for over 50 years, but it was only relatively recently, within the 1980s, that LTO started to be widely used.

For super fast access, the the best form of Linear Tape Open is Accelis. It allows super fast access to data through a cartridge consisting of 2 reels. The tape itself measures just 8mm wide which increases speed and reduces the time it takes to access the data. This was initially thought of by IBM.

The single issue in relation to Linear Tape Open is to do with its leader pin. This holds the cartridge in place. The times when a cartridge is outside of a drive, the pin is kept in place through the use of a spring. When the cartridge is being used, the leader pin permits the reader to grasp on to the tape, resulting in you being able to access your data.

The problem in this arises when the pin falls out of place, this is normally an issue if the cartridge has been dropped or damaged. This usually have the consequence of the cartridge being unable to load. Another reason why the cartridge may not load is the plastic casing which the Linear Tape Open is contained within becoming worn down, leading to it no longer being able to securely hold the pin.

There have been some different alterations, indeed, there are some Linear Tape Open that do not use leader pins so as avoid this problem. Punching a hole through the casing is one solution, which enables the drive to grasp the end of the tape without the need to use a leader pin.

You shouldn't let this one minor issue cause you not to try LTO. It may be for you, like it is for other people, an ideal form of data storage. - 22787

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