What is an LTO tape autoloader?
An LTO tape autoloader is a compact rack-mount unit — typically 1U or 2U — containing one (sometimes two) LTO tape drives, a removable magazine of around 8 to 24 cartridge slots, a barcode reader and a robotic loader. Under backup software control it loads, rotates and unloads tapes automatically, so you can run a full weekly and monthly rotation without anyone changing tapes.
LTO tape autoloader options
| Class | Form factor | Slots | Drives | LTO-9 native | LTO-10 native (30 TB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1U autoloader | 1U | 8–9 | 1 | 144–162 TB | 240–270 TB |
| 2U autoloader / compact library | 2U | 12–24 | 1–2 | 216–432 TB | 360–720 TB |
Available from HPE, IBM, Quantum, Dell Technologies, Lenovo, Fsas Technologies and Qualstar. LTO-8, LTO-9 and LTO-10 drive options; SAS or Fibre Channel interfaces.
Benefits of an LTO tape autoloader
- Unattended backup — no more manual tape changes or missed backups.
- Air-gapped protection — export the magazine or individual tapes for off-site storage, out of ransomware’s reach.
- Room for retention — keep weeks of backups on-line in the magazine.
- Simple management — web-based remote management and barcode inventory.
- Easy compliance — encryption, WORM support and audit-friendly rotation.
- Upgradeable — many models activate extra slots with a licence key.
Featured: Qualstar Q8 and Q24
The Qualstar Q8 is an entry-level 8-slot autoloader with two 4-slot magazines, while the Q24 compact library adds 24 slots, a single-slot I/O port and LTO-8, LTO-9 or LTO-10 drives — up to 960 TB native with 40 TB LTO-10 media.
Autoloader or tape library?
An autoloader is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, branch offices and single backup servers. If you need more than two drives, more than about 24 slots, library partitioning or several backup servers sharing the device, choose a modular LTO tape library instead.
What we need for an autoloader quote
- Number of drives (one or two) and LTO generation (LTO-8, LTO-9 or LTO-10).
- Host interface — SAS (with HBA) or Fibre Channel.
- Data volume, retention and backup software.
We also supply replacement magazines, support renewals, trade-ups from older generations and LTO tapes with pre-printed barcode labels.
LTO tape autoloader FAQ
What is an LTO tape autoloader?
An LTO tape autoloader is a compact 1U or 2U rack-mount unit with one (sometimes two) LTO drives, a magazine of roughly 8 to 24 cartridge slots, a barcode reader and a robotic loader. It rotates tapes automatically under backup software control so you don't have to change tapes by hand.
Autoloader or tape library — which do I need?
An autoloader suits small and mid-sized businesses, branch offices and single backup servers. If you need more than two drives, more than about 24 slots, partitioning or several backup servers sharing the device, step up to a modular tape library.
How much does an LTO-9 autoloader hold?
An 8-slot LTO-9 autoloader holds 144 TB native (360 TB compressed); a 24-slot unit holds 432 TB native. With LTO-10 media, 8 slots hold 240 TB native and 24 slots 720 TB.
Which interfaces are available?
Autoloaders are typically available with SAS (direct-attached to a server HBA) or Fibre Channel (SAN-attached) drives; some models also offer iSCSI.
Get an LTO tape autoloader quote
We'll recommend the right autoloader, drives, HBA and media for your backup — same-day quotes.