IBM sets mag tape density record

Stephen Withers
Monday, 25 January 2010 02:04

Business IT - Technology

IBM researchers have opened the door to a big increase in magnetic tape capacity by setting a new world record for areal data density.

You thought tape was dead? That probably means you don't work in an area that needs the reliable, long-term storage of large amounts of data - and there's no shortage of those.

The amount of data being collected, generated and stored in such areas continues to grow: just consider how widespread digital security video systems are becoming. And that's just one example.

Large tape systems are already cheaper and much more energy efficient than disk-based storage.

So there are clearly good reasons to increase the density of tape storage.

IBM in cooperation with FujiFilm have produced a prototype tape system that stores 29.5 billion bits per square inch, a new world record and nearly 40 times the density of current LTO Generation 4 products.

Because the tape film is thinner, more of it will fit inside a cartridge. This further increases the potential capacity almost 44 times, allowing up to 35 terabytes of uncompressed data per cartridge.

But how was the density increased? Find out on page 2.