Linear Tape-Open Technology Gains Momentum with Additional Industry Leading Companies

Strategic Insights -

Five more industry-leading companies have joined the ranks of licensees for Linear Tape-Open (LTO) technology, a powerful, open tape architecture setting the stage for a new generation of tape storage products. Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM Corp., and Seagate Technology Inc. announced the addition of Advanced Research Corp., Exabyte Corp., Matsushita Electric Industry, Mitsumi Electric Company Ltd., and Otari Inc. to the list of licensees. The increased participation of industry leaders in the LTO program further validates the concept and strategy behind the technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The five new licensees join the existing 17 companies that have already purchased licenses for LTO technology, bringing the total number to 22.
  • The LTO program has attracted a diverse range of industry leaders, including HP, IBM, Seagate, and other well-known technology companies.
  • The Linear Tape-Open technology combines the advantages of linear multi-channel, bi-directional formats with enhancements in servo technology, data compression, track layout, and error correction code to maximize capacity, performance, and reliability.
  • Two formats are based on LTO technology: Ultrium and Accelis. The Ultrium format supports a single-reel media with capacities of up to 200GB and data-transfer rates of up to 40MB/s. The Accelis format is a fast-access, dual-reel implementation designed for high-speed data retrieval.
  • The LTO technology has a four-generation roadmap for future capacity and performance enhancements.
  • The Ultrium and Accelis tape mechanism and tape cartridge interchange specifications are available on a licensee basis.

Statistics:

  • 22 companies have purchased licenses for LTO technology.
  • The LTO program has attracted a total of 22 licensees, including HP, IBM, Seagate, and 18 other industry leaders.
  • The Ultrium format has a maximum capacity of up to 200GB and a data-transfer rate of up to 40MB/s.
  • The Accelis format supports data retrieval in less than 10 seconds.

Sources:

  • BUSINESS WIRE, September 29, 1999
  • LTO Press Release, Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM Corp., and Seagate Technology Inc.
  • LTO Web site at www.lto-technology.com
  • Note to Editors: Linear Tape-Open, LTO, Accelis and Ultrium are U.S. trademarks of HP, IBM and Seagate.