Quantum Puts Forth 3.5 TB 16-Cartridge SuperLoader

Storage devices keep getting bigger and faster but this one sounds pretty extreme for a tape system. Quantum's new 16-cartridge SuperLoader tape autoloader has a capacity of up to 3.5 teraBytes (TB) and will be available with either a Quantum SDLT 220 or DLT1 tape drive. Qualification units will be available before the end of the year. The SuperLoader system can backup data at up to 22 megaBytes (MB) per second, or around 79 gigabytes (GB) per hour compressed and gives you remote web-based management so you can do your system administration (at least for this device) from wherever you might be. Quantum boasts that the SuperLoader can store a TeraByte of data per vertical inch of rack space. The laundry list of features for the device include a 2U (3.5" high) rack-mountable form factor, a compressed capacity of up to 3.5 teraBytes with an SDLT 220 tape drive or 1.3 teraBytes with a DLT1 tape drive, capacity that's scalable to 16 cartridges via two eight-cartridge magazines, a "mail slot" for cartridge import and export, robotic cartridge handling, optional bar code reader for inventory management, and backward-read compatibility. The SDLT 220 SuperLoader provides backward read compatibility with DLTtape IV media cartridges recorded on DLT 4000, DLT 7000, and DLT 8000 formats, while the DLT1 SuperLoader can read the DLT 4000 format. No word yet on pricing.