IBM LTO Ultrium-6 2.5TB/6.25TB Barium Tape Cartridge
The IBM LTO Ultrium-6 tape cartridge delivers enterprise-grade data backup and archival storage with native capacity of 2.5TB, expandable to 6.25TB with compression. Designed for organizations requiring reliable long-term data retention, this barium-based tape media ensures data integrity across decades of storage. Perfect for data centers, backup administrators, and IT teams managing large-scale archival operations, the Ultrium-6 format provides cost-effective capacity with industry-leading reliability and compatibility across IBM and third-party LTO drives.
Key Features
- Native capacity of 2.5TB with 6.25TB compressed storage capability
- Barium ferrite coating for superior data durability and longevity
- Full backward and forward compatibility with LTO Ultrium-5 and Ultrium-7 drives
- Advanced error correction and data verification technology
- Ideal for WORM (Write Once Read Many) compliance and regulatory requirements
- Extended shelf life exceeding 30 years for archival applications
- Enterprise-class performance for mission-critical backup workflows
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
IBM STORAGE MEDIA |
| Product Type |
LTO Ultrium-6 Tape Cartridge |
| Part Number |
00V7590-5/PK |
| Native Capacity |
2.5TB |
| Compressed Capacity |
6.25TB (2.5:1 ratio) |
| Media Type |
Barium Ferrite |
| Format Standard |
LTO Ultrium Generation 6 |
| Data Transfer Rate |
160MB/s native |
| Archival Life |
30+ years |
| Compatibility |
LTO-5, LTO-6, LTO-7 drives |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between native and compressed capacity on LTO Ultrium-6 tape?
Native capacity (2.5TB) represents the actual data storage without compression. Compressed capacity (6.25TB) assumes a 2.5:1 compression ratio, which varies based on your data type. Text and structured data compress better, while already-compressed formats (video, images) may achieve lower ratios.
How long does data remain readable on IBM LTO Ultrium-6 barium tape?
IBM LTO Ultrium-6 barium cartridges maintain data integrity for 30+ years under proper storage conditions (cool, dry environment). This makes them ideal for long-term archival, compliance storage, and disaster recovery applications requiring decades of data preservation.
Is the IBM LTO Ultrium-6 compatible with older and newer LTO drives?
Yes, the Ultrium-6 cartridge offers full backward compatibility with LTO-5 drives (read/write) and forward compatibility with LTO-7 drives (read-only). This flexibility protects your investment and simplifies multi-generation tape library environments.
What makes barium ferrite coating superior for tape storage media?
Barium ferrite provides enhanced magnetic stability, superior durability against environmental stress, and improved data retention compared to earlier oxide formulations. This results in fewer read errors, longer archival life, and better performance in demanding backup and compliance scenarios.
