LTO Ultrium 7 FAQ

What is LTO 7?

LTO 7 is the seventh generation of LTO Ultrium technology. The LTO 7 data cartridge extends native capacities to 6TB (15TB compressed), more than doubling the capacity of its predecessor, LTO 6 (6.25TB compressed). The LTO 7 data cartridge utilizes the same form factor as LTO products.

The current LTO Ultrium roadmap shows capacities up to 120TB per cartridge (through Generation 10).

What color is the LTO 7 Cartridge?

The LTO 7 data cartridge color is Purple. The LTO 7 WORM cartridge is Purple / Gray.

What does load/unload mean?

Load/unload is loading the cartridge in a drive. This is a measure of durability in a library since they are moving tapes in and out of drives frequently. LTO 7 data cartridge ensures 20,000 load/unload cycles.

Which is better? Native or compressed recording?

The same reliability of the data recording is ensured for both native and compressed recording The actual magnetic recording pattern, such as recording wavelength and track density are unchanged.

What is Encryption?

Encryption helps to protect the storage and transport of sensitive information by encrypting data to the LTO Ultrium data cartridge.

What is WORM?

WORM stands for Write Once Read Many. LTO 7 drives are equipped with WORM capability to address regulatory requirements for archiving data.

A two-tone color cartridge is used for identification. The top shell color is purple, and the bottom shell is color is gray. WORM cartridges must be used in drives equipped with WORM functionality.

Can I use LTO 7 media in my older generation LTO drives?

No. Older generation LTO drives are unable to read or recognize LTO 7 media. LTO 7 media can only be used in LTO 7 drives.

Can I use older generation LTO media in my LTO 7 drive?

Yes-- all LTO Ultrium drives can read data from a cartridge in its own generation and two prior generations, and can write data to a cartridge from its own generation and the immediate prior generation. Therefore, an LTO 7 drive can read LTO-7, 6 and 5 cartridges, and write to LTO-7 and 6 cartridges.

What cleaning cartridge should I use in my LTO 7 drive?

Any LTO Universal Cleaning Cartridges may be used in LTO 7 drives for cleaning purposes.

What's the archival life of LTO 7 media?

Under optimum operating and storage conditions, LTO 7 media is expected to have an archival life of more than 30 years.

Operation Environment
Ambient Temperature 50°F to 113°F (10°C to 45°C)
Relative Humidity 10% to 80%

Storage Environment (non-archival)
Temperature 61°F to 95°F (16°C to 35°C)
Relative Humidity 20% to 80%

Storage Environment (archival)
Temperature 61°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C)
Relative Humidity 20% to 50%

How often should I replace my LTO 7 media?

Under optimum operating and storage conditions, LTO 7 media is expected to be able to perform 250 full back-ups. It is recommended to replace the media once 250 full backups have been performed.

Can I degauss/bulk erase LTO tapes for future re-use?

Do not degauss/bulk erase any generation LTO tape. This will erase magnetic servo signals pre-written on the tape, thus making the tape unusable.