Redefining data storage

Storage technologies are currently in a state of flux as files are becoming rapidly larger as quality improves and taking up more memory; and needs are becoming more complex with hybrid and multi-location working, as well as developing technologies. One medium remains a silent giant – tape. Often relegated to the dusty corners of IT lore, tape can be seen as a relic of a bygone era. However, companies like XenData are proving that tape not only has a place in the modern data landscape, but can even outperform its flashier counterparts in certain scenarios.

XenData offers active archive systems that take advantage of the particular strengths of LTO tape technology. LTO tapes have a shelf life of decades and are virtually immune to data corruption. This makes them ideal for storing critical but infrequently accessed data, such as medical records, financial archives, and media assets.

One of the key advantages of these systems is their scalability. The modular architecture allows for expansion as data volumes grow, accommodating petabytes of information. This is particularly attractive for organisations facing rapid data growth, where traditional storage solutions can quickly become unwieldy and expensive.

Another key differentiator for XenData is its hybrid cloud storage approach. Recognising that not all data needs the immediate accessibility of the cloud, XenData integrates its tape systems with cloud platforms and on-premises disk-based object storage, offering a tiered storage architecture that optimises cost and performance.

These tape systems are designed with security features which include encryption, access controls, and audit trails. This makes them ideal for storing sensitive data, such as medical imaging or financial records. They are particularly suited for storage video files, hence XenData’s customer base includes a significant number of media companies.

Where XenData really sets itself apart though, is in the file system interface. As Phil Storey, CEO of XenData (pictured) says: “We wanted to make writing to the archive, just like writing to disk.”

The design is therefore a standard file system interface that looks a lot like Windows, complete with a logical drive letter on the Windows Server and network sharing with standard network protocols and Windows security. It offers immediate archiving, allows prioritisation and retention of frequently accessed files.

In addition, the system interface allows the user to replicate cartridges, manage an unlimited number of external cartridges and allows for easy migration to new archival storage, while recent enhancements include the ability to add public cloud storage locations, private cloud access to the LTO archive, syncing multiple archives, and to easily create LTO cartridges for export, by-passing the cache and file system.

The XenData E-Series Archive Appliance provides from 280 TB to 1.12 PB of on-premises object storage with one or more disk nodes and is suited for restore-intensive applications. It delivers high performance archiving, storing content to redundant disk nodes. When compared with LTO, it has the advantage of rapid access to the archived content.

The base system has one disk storage node which provides a usable capacity of 280 TB. It can be upgraded by adding up to three further nodes, each of which adds a usable capacity of 280 TB, for a maximum capacity of 1.12 PB.

The XenData E-Series Archive Appliance may be accessed as object storage via HTTP or HTTPS or as Network Attached Storage (NAS) over the local network via SMB, NFS or FTP.

Both the file system and object storage access are optimised for media files. The system supports partial file restore which means you can restore portions of large files to create video clips and video content can be played directly from the appliance without having to restore the complete file.