Summary
Quantum’s Scalar i7 RAPTOR: Leading the Charge in Data Storage Innovation
Quantum’s latest offering, the Scalar i7 RAPTOR, sets a new standard in the data storage industry with its exceptional storage density, serviceability, sustainability, and security features. Designed to support the increasing demands of AI and cloud infrastructures, this tape storage solution is recognised for its cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. As businesses become more reliant on data-driven insights, the RAPTOR provides an efficient and secure option for managing extensive data lakes and cloud deployments.
Main Article
Breaking New Ground in Storage Density
The Quantum Scalar i7 RAPTOR represents a revolutionary advancement in tape storage solutions, particularly in storage density. It offers a remarkable 200% improvement over traditional enterprise libraries and an 82% enhancement compared to other high-density libraries on the market. With a capacity of 2,008 usable data slots within a single cabinet, the RAPTOR achieves over 36 petabytes (PB) of storage through LTO-9 cartridges, each holding a native capacity of 18 terabytes (TB). This significant increase in density translates to substantial cost savings, cutting down on acquisition, support, and operational expenses like floorspace, power, and cooling.
Enhancing Serviceability and Promoting Sustainability
Serviceability is another key feature of the Scalar i7 RAPTOR. The design allows for rapid replacement of components by the customer, thereby minimising downtime and enhancing service level agreements (SLAs). The inclusion of factory-installed hardware simplifies onsite installation and even permits customer self-installation. The RAPTOR’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its 80 PLUS Platinum power supply efficiency rating, surpassing the Silver or unrated supplies of competing libraries. This efficiency, combined with its high storage density, makes the RAPTOR the most power-efficient tape library per PB available, aligning with corporate sustainability goals while reducing operational costs.
Security Integration for Modern Data Management
Security remains at the forefront of the Scalar i7 RAPTOR’s design. The system includes unique features exclusive to Quantum tape libraries, such as advanced ransomware recovery mechanisms like Active Vault and Logical Tape Blocking. These patented features ensure data integrity and offer enhanced air gap protection against unauthorised access. Furthermore, the RAPTOR integrates seamlessly with Quantum’s StorNext file system and ActiveScale scalable S3 object storage. It also supports major tape management software, including Veeam and Commvault, facilitating efficient data management and accessibility for AI workflows and environments.
Future-Proofing Data Storage Solutions
The Scalar i7 RAPTOR, when used alongside ActiveScale, introduces a cost-effective, S3 Glacier-compatible cold storage service. By deploying multiple RAPTOR units in a Redundant Array of Independent Libraries (RAIL) architecture, ActiveScale optimises data placement for superior availability, performance, and storage efficiency. This comprehensive solution provides greater durability than traditional multi-copy tape systems and improves data accessibility compared to hyperscale cloud storage solutions.
Additionally, the RAPTOR integrates with StorNext data services, such as FlexTier, offering comprehensive data lifecycle management from creation to long-term retention. As data transitions across storage media, StorNext ensures continuous access, allowing for manual or policy-driven data preservation on the RAPTOR for cost-effective long-term retention.
Technical Specifications and Scalability
The Scalar i7 RAPTOR features a single cabinet/frame scale-out architecture, a fast robot with dual picker, and no tape swapping requirements. Its 48U height accommodates standard 19-inch data centre racks, with optional rack space for non-tape hardware integration. The RAPTOR supports up to 20 LTO full-height tape drives, more than any other scale-out library, with flexible growth options starting at 100 slots and increasing by 100 slots as needed.
Detailed Analysis
The Scalar i7 RAPTOR’s introduction is timely, as organisations confront ever-growing volumes of unstructured data. By offering superior storage density and power efficiency, the RAPTOR addresses both economic and environmental challenges faced by enterprises today. As businesses continue to prioritise sustainability, solutions like the RAPTOR, with its advanced power supply efficiency, become increasingly attractive. Moreover, its integration with key data management software and AI workflows highlights the growing intersection of traditional storage solutions with cutting-edge technology trends.
Further Development
The Scalar i7 RAPTOR is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of data storage. Quantum’s commitment to innovation suggests that further enhancements and integrations are likely, potentially involving more sophisticated AI-driven data management capabilities. As the industry evolves, additional coverage will explore how Quantum’s solutions adapt to these changes and how they continue to meet the growing needs of global enterprises. Readers are encouraged to stay informed as Quantum advances its storage technology offerings.