Sony data storage manufacturer is going to launch its new high capacity LTO-5 backup tape format. The Sony LTO5 tape technology will feature storage capacity of 3 Terabytes in compression mode. Storage media division of Sony Corporation has signed licensing contract of LTO-5 tape format with the LTO industry consortium. LTO consortium comprises of leading TPC (technology providing companies) of data storage industry including IBM, Quantum and HP.

So far 4 generations of high speed LTO tape have been launched into the market. These LTO tape versions are LTO1, LTO 2, LTO3 and LTO-4 tape. Vastly experienced and highly trustful companies manufacture these high capacity LTO data tapes. Some of the LTO ultrium tape brands along with their part numbers are given below:

Sony LTO4 tape (part number LTX800G), IBM LTO3 tape (part number 96P1203), Maxell LTO3 tape (part number 183950), Dell LTO-4 tape (part number 341-4640), Sony LTO2 tape (part number LTX200G), Quantum LTO-3 tapes (part number MR-L3MQN-01), Maxell LTO4 tape (part number 183906), Fuji LTO-4 data tapes (part number 15716800), HP LTO3 tapes (part number C7973), HP LTO-4 backup tape (part number C7974A), Sony LTO2 tape (part number LTX200GWW) etc.

Hewlett Packard, Quantum and IBM are the three companies that are the members of the LTO consortium. These companies define the tape specifications of the different LTO tape generations. Now as the agreement has been signed, Sony will now start its production of high performance LTO-5 backup tape media.

Modern age servers, work-stations and data rich data centers require high speed storage technology. LTO5 tape storage technology has been engineered to support the demanding needs of these environments. Each Sony LTO5 tape cartridge will offer massive capacity of 1.5 TB that will double with 2:1 compression, thus reaching up to 3.0 TB. New generation LTO5 backup tape format offers an impressive 140 MB/sec transfer speed in native form. Sony LTO-5 tape cartridge’s transfer speed will increase by 100% percent in compressed mode just like in its previous four LTO tape generations. Therefore in compressed form, LTO-5 tape format’s transfer rate will reach 280 MB per second.

Storage capacity of Sony LTO-5 tape cartridge has been enhanced by increasing the data tracks of its tape media. This allows increased recording density and ensures greater recording capability. The tape reel of Sony LTO5 is much thinner and longer as compared to its previous generation LTO4 tape. Stronger binder has been developed by Sony for high capacity LTO-5 tape, so that the tape surface could be protected from damage and deformation during data reading/writing. High density recordings are enabled by the finely coated tape media of Sony LTO5 tape. Sony has utilized all of its experience and expertise in the LTO-5 tape technology so that it can meet the requirements of its customers. Sony has redesigned its LTO-5 tape cartridges and has introduced a deeper label cavity that helps in better fitting of the labels.