Magnetic-tape data storage is a system for storing digital information on magnetic tape using digital recording. Tape was an important medium for primary data storage in early computers, typically using large open reels of 7-track, later 9-track tape.

What is magnetic tape storage? Magnetic tape is one of the oldest technologies for electronic data storage. While tape has largely been displaced as a primary and backup storage medium, it remains well suited for archiving because of its high capacity, low cost and long durability.

A tape drive is a data storage device that reads and writes data on a magnetic tape. Magnetic-tape data storage is typically used for offline, archival data storage. Tape media generally has a favorable unit cost and long archival stability.

Aug 28, 2018 · Today, a modern tape cartridge can hold 15 terabytes. And a single robotic tape library can contain up to 278 petabytes of data. Storing that much data on compact discs would require more than 397 million of them, which if stacked would …

Oct 20, 2022 · IBM argues that this feature makes tape the ideal medium to store archival data that doesn’t need to be frequently accessed. Tape can also serve as an “air gap” backup—offline versions of...

For more than 30 years, magnetic tape dominated offline storage and data transfer. Large magnetic reels spinning in rapid, back-and-forth bursts became a cultural icon. Stock shots of tape drives in motion were widely used to represent computers in movies and television.

Mar 12, 2024 · Invented before the advent of digital computers, magnetic tape storage is the backbone of cold storage in enterprise data centers. Companies are competing to find ways to make tape storage denser, faster, and more searchable.

Abstract: Magnetic tape as used for data storage is reviewed. Attributes such as bit and track densities, tape cartridge capacities and data rates are discussed in terms of the growth seen over time together with future trends envisioned for tape.

Feb 3, 2025 · Magnetic tape as a digital data storage technology was first commercialized in the early 1950’s and has evolved continuously since then. Despite its long history, tape has significant potential for continued capacity and data rate scaling.

Aug 2, 2017 · Unlike the platters in computer hard drives that feature ultra-thin layers of various metals to store tiny magnetic charges, tape needs to be able to flex, bend, and be wound onto a spool.