Common Myths of Tape Storage

Even though disk or cloud-based data backup is a storage method that’s on the rise, it doesn’t mean that tape storage is entirely dead. In fact, it’s a widely-used solution for archiving inactive data and provides many benefits people are unaware of.

For many large corporations, tape storage is an integral part of their data protection program. Here we debunk some of the common myths surrounding magnetic tapes, providing you with a clear idea of how tape storage can protect your confidential data:

Tale of The Tape: Common Myths Debunked

Myth 1: Disk is cheaper than tape

Backup and disaster recovery solutions are costly and mandatory in today’s business climate. Tape can help reduce backup and recovery costs and is significantly less expensive per gigabyte of data than disk. It also provides more flexibility for expansion at a lower rate compared to disk storage. When it comes to measuring energy consumption, operating tape uses less energy than what is used to manage disks. Disks run on multiprocessors with many high capacity power systems, costing more to function. Many software vendors charge a premium fee for disk back-up and include a licensing fee to process.  Tape libraries are incredibly scalable and provide the lowest cost of media storage.

Myth 2: Backup applications are more reliable with disk

Backup systems thoroughly support both disk and tape efficiently. Tape support has been a prominent source of backup for a more extended period than disk.  A study performed by the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) reveals that tape cartridges are four orders of magnitude higher than that of disk drives, with tape systems providing more reliability by 99.99%.

Myth 3: Tape is substantially riskier than disk

Similar to disk encryptions, tape encryptions are available for extra protection. If disks are stolen, they can be reconfigured to run anywhere. However, if a tape gets lost, it’s virtually useless to someone without a tape drive. Disk-based backups are also primarily kept onsite at a business location, making your information susceptible to risk if a flood or fire were to occur. Tapes are portable and provide an excellent means of ensuring critical information doesn’t get lost.

Offsite Storage Facilities for Your Data’s Protection

At Vital Records Control, your data’s security is our top priority. Our state-of-the-art vaults shelter your backup media from the external dangers that could harm them, including humidity, temperature changes, and natural or man-made disasters. We build our storage facilities to exceed regulatory and IRS storage guidelines, ensuring your vital information is safeguarded and protected  24/7.

If you’re interested in learning more about our records management solutions to keep your data out of harm’s way, check out our records storage and media vaulting services.