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Data Storage

Storing and preserving data for the long-term, including digital and analog data.

Data Storage: Digital Data

How to get the best value for SSD, HDD, or LTO storage:

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

  • Spinning disk, mechanical movement, read/write head uses magnetism to read/write data
  • Physical form factor: 2.5" or 3.5"
  • Connector type: SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)

SSD (Solid State Drive)

  • No moving parts, uses flash memory to store data (like a USB drive, usb stick, thumb drive, etc.)
  • Physical format usually 2.5" or M.2 (M.2 is a form factor, not a connector type)

LTO (Linear Tape-Open)

LTO Versions and Specs

GenerationsLTO-1LTO-2LTO-3LTO-4LTO-5[^1]LTO-6[^2]LTO-7LTO-7 Type M (M8)[^3]LTO-8[^4]LTO-9LTO-10LTO-11LTO-12LTO-13LTO-14
Native capacity100 GB200 GB400 GB800 GB1.5 TB[^5]2.5 TB[^6][^10]6.0 TB[^7][^11][^10]9.0 TB12 TB[^11]18 TB[^12][^13][^10][^9]36 TB[^14]72 TB[^14]144 TB[^14]288 TB[^14]576 TB[^14]
Tape length609 m609 m680 m820 m846 m[^15]846 m[^15]960 m[^16]1035 m[^17]-------
Tape width12.650 mm ± 0.006 mm12.650 mm ± 0.006 mm12.650 mm ± 0.006 mm12.650 mm ± 0.006 mm12.650 mm ± 0.006 mm12.650 mm ± 0.006 mm12.650 mm ± 0.006 mm12.650 mm ± 0.006 mm-------
Tape thickness8.9 μm8.9 μm8 μm6.6 μm6.4 μm[^18] or 6.1 μm (BaFe)[^19]6.4 μm[^20]5.6 μm[^21]5.2 μm[^22]-------
Magnetic pigment material[^23]Metal particulate (MP)Metal particulate (MP)Metal particulate (MP)Metal particulate (MP)Metal particulate (MP)BaFe[^24]BaFe[^25]BaFe[^26]-------
Base materialPolyethylene naphthalate (PEN)Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)-------
Data bands per tape44444444-------
Wraps per band1216111420[^5]34[^6]28[^7]4252------
Tracks per wrap, read/write elements8816[^5][^26]16[^5][^26]16[^5][^26]32[^7]32 (TMR)[^27]32[^22]-------
Total tracks3845127048961,2802,176[^26]3,5845,3766,6568,960[^22]-----
Linear density (bits/mm)4,8807,3989,63813,25015,142[^28]15,143[^29]19,094[^30]19,10420,668------
EncodingRLL 1,7RLL 0,13/11; PRMLRLL 0,13/11; PRMLRLL 0,13/11; PRMLRLL 32/33; PRML32/33 RLL NPML[^29]32/33 RLL NPML[^29]32/33 RLL NPML[^29]-------
End-to-end passes required to fill tape4864445680136112168208------
Expected tape durability, end-to-end passes9,600[^31]16,000[^31]16,000[^31]11,200[^31]16,000[^31]20,000[^30]20,000[^30]20,000[^30]-------

Data Storage: Analog Data

How to store and preserve analog data

Paper

  • Used for written documents, books, and newspapers, etc.
  • Store in acid-free sleeves or albums to prevent deterioration, in cool, dry environment away from light sources

Magnetic Tape

  • Used for audio and video recording
  • Formats: Reel-to-reel, cassette tapes, VHS tapes
  • Store in a cool, dry environment to prevent degradation

Vinyl Records

  • Popular medium for music storage
  • Handle with care to avoid scratches and warping
  • Store upright in a dust-free environment

Film

  • Used for capturing images and motion pictures
  • Formats: 35mm, 16mm, 8mm
  • Store in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment

Photographic Prints

  • Physical copies of photographs
  • Handle with clean hands to avoid smudges and fingerprints
  • Store in acid-free sleeves or albums to prevent deterioration

Microfilm/Microfiche

  • Used for long-term preservation of documents
  • Requires a microfilm/microfiche reader to access the information
  • Store in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment