Spectra Logic Tape Libraries

The Spectra Logic tape library offerings range from the 5U Spectra 2K, with support for 1 or 2 enclosed drives (15 or 30 cartridges) to the high end T950, a full sized cabinet that can be populated with up to 6,150 cartridge slots and 120 tape drives. With the exception of the Spectra 10K, each of the libraries is available with SCSI (Single-ended, HVD or LVD), Fibre Channel (private loop, public loop and fabric topologies), or Gig Ethernet (iSCSI or NDMP) connectivity (the 10K lists only LVD SCSI and Fibre Channel interface options). Supported tape formats vary by library model; with each of the 2K, 10K, 20K, and 64K models supporting the Sony AIT-3 tape format; the T120 supporting LTO-2 and SAIT (mixed) and the T950 supporting mixed implementations of LTO, SAIT and SDLT or AIT formats. Spectra Logic has additionally announced that they are now taking orders for libraries supporting the AIT-4 format (for expected shipping at the end of August).

Key options and features of the tape libraries include the ability to purchase catridge capacity incrementally as needed (tape libraries are delivered with all slots loaded and only those purchased actually activated; allowing the administrator to purchase and activate additional slots as they are needed); Shared Library Services (SLS) allowing for the provisioning of multiple "virtual" libraries within each physical library (the Spectra 2K supports 2 such virtual libraries, while the T950 supports up to 120); and a Web-based Remote Library Controller for remote WAN management of the library. (Note that not all features listed here may be available on all libraries; see the vendor's site for details.)

Current offerings in the Spectra Logic Tape Library line include:

- Spectra 2K: The 5U entry level AIT-4 based offering supports 1 or 2 drives (15 or 30 cartridges) with a total compressed capacity of up to 15.6TB and a transfer rate of up to 449GB/hour.

- Spectra 10K: A smaller (space-wise) offering than the 2K, the 10K offers only LVD SCSI and Fibre Channel interface options in a 4U enclosure. The 10K houses from 1-4 drives and 20 or 40 cartridge slots; providing a total compressed capacity of 20.8 TB and a transfer rate of up to 900 GB / hour.

- Spectra 20K: The 14U 20K support from 30 to 200 catridges serviced by up to 8 drives, for a maximum AIT-4 capacity of 104TB and a transfer rate of up to 1797 GB/hour.

- Spectra 64K: Fills a standard rack with up to 645 cartridges and 32 drives. Maximum capacity/transfer: 333TB/7188 GB/hour.

- Spectra T120: Offers mixed LTO-2 and SAIT support and offers up to 655 TB of compressed storage (SAIT-1) and up to a 5054.4 GB transfer rate.

- Spectra T950: The top of the line model, with support for up to 6,150 cartridges and 120 drives in multiple (mixed) tape formats.

The Spectra Tape Libraries are available now; pricing starts at under $8,000 for the basic Spectra 2K. Contact Spectra Logic for further information.