DLTtape Drives

Ranging from smaller 40GB offerings to the top of the line 300GB model, the DLTtape drive line from Quantum Corp. provides options for uses in small to large enterprises. Each of the models is available in both enclosed (external) and internal mount capabilities, with a rack-mountable version available for the DLT VS drives. Successive drive versions offer read-only compatibility with tapes created on earlier drives. Metrics below quote the native data capabilities of the drives; each also supports data compression, doubling the capacity and transfer rate metrics (assuming a 2:1 compression ratio is achieved, of course).

DLTtape Drives available as of this writing include:

- DLT VS80 / DLT VS160: The entry level offerings. Both sport a half-height, 5.25-inch form factor and support Wide Ultra SCSI-2 interfaces; the VS80 utilizes the DLTtape IV cartridges while the VS160 uses the DLTtape VS1 media (the VS160 can also read the VS80 media). Key metrics include native capacity of 40/80GB and sustained data rates of 3/8 MB/s.

- DLT-V4: The newest entry in the line. The DLT-V4 features a native capacity of 160GB and a transfer rate of 10 MB/sec. It utilizes DLTtape VS1 media, and is additionally read compatible with DLTtape IV. Interface choices for the DLT-V4 include SATA or Ultra 160 SCSI.

- SDLT 320: The SDLT also utilizes Super DLTTape I media and supports a native capacity of 160GB (the Super DLTTape I media is available in both 110 and 160GB flavors). The SDLT offers a 16MB/s sustained transfer rate and can be served up with Ultra 2 SCSI or Ultra SCSI interfaces.

- SDLT 600: The top of the line entry features a native capacity of 300GB utilizing the vendor's Super DLTtape II media. It is also read compatible with the 160GB DLTtape I and DLTtape VS1 media. The SDLT is offered in a choice of Ultra SCSI (LVD), Ultra 160 or 2GB Fiber Channel interfaces, and provides sustained transfer rates of 36MB/s.

Additional offerings from the vendor include DLTSage, an administrator tool included with each of the SDLT drives that provides diagnostic operations for both the drives and media (helping administrators, for example, to predict drive and or media failure based on actual metrics of the drive or tape itself); and the DLTIce extension to DLTSage, which provides WORM capabilities to the drives using their standard read/write media cartirdges. DLTIce provides administrators with the ability to place a unique electronic "key" on each tape that cannot be altered; a key that then works in concert with the DLTSage architecture to ensure the tape can be appended to, but not rewritten.

Street pricing for the DLTtape drives range from around $1,000 to $5,000; all models described are available now.