In an era where cloud storage and disk-based backup options dominate the data protection market, it’s easy to dismiss tape backup as an antiquated technology. However, many enterprises and organizations that need to safely store massive volumes of data still rely on tape backup as a viable and affordable choice. In fact, tape backup remains a valuable asset for modern data protection environments for several reasons. Features such as cost, reliability, air-gap backup, and others contribute immensely to the continuous use of tapes by businesses.
This blog post will provide an overview of tape backup and look at five reasons why it is still a helpful data storage and backup tool. It will also go through the difficulties of using tape backup and the best practices for a successful strategy.
Overview of Tape Backup
Tape backup is writing backup copies of data onto magnetic tape storage media. For many years, and even now, it has been a dependable data backup and storage solution. While backing up data with magnetic tape, a tape drive is used to write the data to the tape. Data is recorded onto the tape using read/write heads by the tape drive, and the data can be retrieved by rewinding and playing the tape back.
Tape backup is a common alternative for companies and organizations needing to store vast volumes of data safely and affordably. It is frequently used as a secondary backup to disk-based storage
for long-term data archiving and disaster recovery.
Tapes come in a variety of formats, such as Linear Tape-Open (LTO), Digital Audio Tape (DAT), and Digital Linear Tape (DLT). Each array has pros and cons depending on the user’s unique requirements.
Reasons Why Tape Storage is not dead
It’s easy to believe that tape backup is an antiquated technology in today’s digital world, superseded by the more widely used and practical hard disks. However, Contrary to popular belief, tape backup is still very relevant and utilized by many industries. It continues to be the most trustworthy, secure, and economical alternative for data backup and storage.
Here are five reasons why tape backup is not dead:
- Tape Is More Reliable Than Hard Drives
Over the years, tape backup technology has advanced significantly and is still more dependable than hard disks. Hard drives are susceptible to mechanical failure, magnetic fields, or collisions. Conversely, tapes are significantly more robust and can persist for many years without any deterioration in the data quality. The ability of tapes to store data offline is another benefit of tape backup. As a result, the data becomes inaccessible to hackers, destroyed by accident, or damaged by software problems. Users can also keep tapes safe to guard against physical harm and theft.
- Tape Is Less Expensive Than Hard Drives
Cost is a crucial consideration when it comes to data backup and storage. Tape backup is much less expensive than hard drives, particularly for extensive backups. This is because cassettes are less costly per gigabyte of storage than hard drives are. Compared to hard disks, tape backup can reduce storage costs by up to 90%, according to a report by the Enterprise Strategy Group. In addition, tapes last longer than hard drives, meaning fewer replacements are required over time, saving even more money.
- Tape Is More Secure Than Hard Drives
The security of data backup and storage is a significant concern. Because tape backup is stored offline and is not online, it offers more excellent protection than hard drives. Hackers will find it considerably more challenging to access the data. Tapes may also be encrypted to give yet another level of protection. Even if the tapes end up in the wrong hands, encryption ensures the data is inaccessible. Moreover, tapes are usable with other security measures like smart cards or biometric authentication.
- Tape Is Easy to Use
Although tape backup may appear complicated, it’s pretty simple to set up and utilize. Installing the backup program, setting up a backup schedule, and connecting the tape drive to the computer are all steps in the procedure. After setting up the backup plan, the backup procedure is automated and requires little human input. The tapes are an excellent option for offsite backup because of the ease of movement. This is especially helpful if natural disasters like floods or earthquakes damage the primary data center.
- Air-Gap Backup
Traditional backup and archival data may be stored either locally or in cloud environments. However, a cyber-resilient duplicate of data is subject to more rigorous requirements. This is where the concepts of “air gapping” and tape technology are gaining traction. In response to the escalating threat of cybercrime, the offline storage of data on tape is becoming increasingly valuable, leveraging the protective measure known as the tape air gap. The tape air gap refers to an electronically isolated copy of data housed in a robotic library or tape rack, preventing cybercriminals from targeting backup, archive, or any other stored data. With no electronic connection to the tape or any other offline media, the data stored on tape remains immune to hacking.
Challenges of Using Tape Storage
While there are many benefits to tape backup, there are also some drawbacks to using tape storage for commercial data backup and storage. Some typical difficulties with employing tape storage are listed below:
- Limited Capacity
Despite being more affordable for storing vast amounts of data, tape storage is less capable than disk-based storage. You might need to use many cassettes to save your data, which can be laborious and challenging.
- Slow Access Times
Recovering data rapidly from tape storage may be more challenging because it typically has slower access times than disk-based storage. This can be particularly difficult when accessing data immediately during a disaster or outage.
- Vulnerability to Physical Damage
Tape storage is susceptible to physical harm when exposed to heat, moisture, or dust. As a result, the tape may deteriorate over time and eventually lose data.
- Limited Scalability
Increasing your data storage capacity with tape storage may be challenging when your company expands because it is less scalable than disk-based storage.
- Maintenance and Upkeep
Tape storage requires routine maintenance and upkeep to keep the tapes in good condition and ensure the data is available when needed. This can take a lot of time and requires specialist knowledge. Notwithstanding these difficulties, businesses and organizations that need to cost-effectively and securely store vast volumes of data can still benefit from using tape storage.
Before making a choice, it’s crucial to carefully assess your data storage requirements and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various storage options.
Best Practices for Tape Backup
Data backup techniques using tape have long been among the most dependable and economical. Like any other technology, tape backup needs proper management and maintenance to guarantee its dependability and effectiveness. Here are some tips for effective tape backup management:
- Choosing the Right Tape Backup Technology
Choosing the best tape backup technology is the first step in implementing an effective tape backup strategy. Selecting the technology that best meets your firm’s demands is crucial because every technology has benefits and drawbacks.
- Tape Backup Hardware and Software Considerations
After deciding on the best tape backup technique, you should consider the hardware and software requirements for the tape backup system. Issues include backup software, drivers, and firmware, while hardware considerations include tape drives, libraries, and media. It is essential to ensure that the hardware and software components are compatible with one another and the current IT infrastructure. The performance and dependability of the tape backup system are improvable by spending money on high-quality hardware and software components.
- Implementing a Tape Backup Strategy
Setting up backup policies, schedules, and procedures is necessary to implement a tape backup strategy. The types of data to back up, how often those backups should occur, and how many backup copies to keep should all be outlined in backup policies. Backup schedules should ensure they are executed at the proper times to prevent interfering with business activities.
The actions involved in backup operations, such as setting up the media, loading the media, starting the backup, checking the backup, and storing the media, should be outlined in the procedures. The protocols should also outline the positions and duties of the employees involved in backup operations.
- Monitoring and Maintaining Tape Backup Systems
Continuous monitoring and maintenance are necessary for tape backup systems to operate at their best. Regular checks of the hardware, software, backup records, and system warnings are all part of monitoring. Cleaning the tape drives and libraries, changing worn-out parts, and updating firmware and drivers are all part of maintenance.
Regularly testing backup media ensures the data is recoverable during a disaster. Teaching staff members about backup operations and disaster recovery processes is essential to reduce the danger of human error.
- Disaster Recovery Planning with Tape Backup
A crucial part of disaster recovery strategy is tape backup. The tape backup system can restore essential data and applications during a disaster. Yet, tape backup is only one component of disaster recovery preparation. A thorough disaster recovery strategy incorporating backup and recovery methods, alternate communication channels, emergency response procedures, and frequent disaster recovery drills is vital.
To Sum Up
The tape backup is still alive. It is still a dependable, safe, and affordable data backup and storage choice. Over time, tape backup technology has changed and is constantly becoming better. Anticipated usage of tape backup for years is due to increasing data storage needs, the implementation of a hybrid backup approach, and the integration of advanced technologies. When contemplating tape backup, picking the appropriate tape drive and format for your requirements is crucial. Also, you must ensure that a suitable backup routine is in place and that the tapes are in a safe, offline location. Tape backup is an excellent option for companies and organizations seeking a dependable, affordable, secure data backup and storage solution. It is vital to consider tape backup while developing your entire data protection plan.
