Historically, Data Tape was the only cost-effective medium for deep archiving data, offering low cost, high capacity, and robustness. Ultimately, though, performance was limited by the complex mechanical systems, linear access to the data, and the complexity of managing the contention between a limited number of reading and writing decks and a much higher number of tape cartridges.
ALTO meets all these traditional characteristics and supports established workflows with many additional benefits. Hard disks offer the advantage that each disk is inherently a self-contained reading and writing device capable of random access rather than the sequential access of data tape. The next-generation disks used in ALTO are designed to be spun down and switched off when not reading or writing, reducing power consumption and extending disk life. Still, new techniques are needed to protect the media from disk failure.
Following a disk failure, the lengthy rebuild time for a simple RAID array can leave content vulnerable to subsequent disk failures. ALTO uses data replication techniques to offer user-selectable protection, minimal recovery time, and disaster recovery configurations. ALTO disks can be removed for vault storage, and ALTO files can recovered forensically with any external computer.
Superior Storage Density
Any size, from any vendor, in any slot at any time - ALTO supports up to 22 TB Disks with the option to buy locally as you go...
Lower Cost of Ownership
Any disk that is not reading or writing is switched off with significant power saving and greatly extended disk lifetime.
Faster Access for Concurrent Users
Faster access than a tape library with more concurrent users, no migration, no repack, and no routine maintenance.
Higher Security than RAID
Protects your files with user-selectable data replication, offering much higher security than RAID systems.
Geographically Distributed Systems
Create distributed systems between sites, cities and continents for business continuity and disaster recovery.
Highly Scalable
System Enclosure
4RU with 60 slots
(1.32PB with 22TB disks)
Expansion Enclosure
4RU with 60 disk slots
(1.32PB with 22TB disks)
Highly Secure
Any Number of Replications
Any Slot
Any Enclosure
Any Location
Highly Performant
Fast Data Access
in 30s or less
No Contention
No migration
Instant delete space recovery
ALTO Anatomy
Future Proof
Any SATA Disk
Any Size
Any Brand
Any Slot
Any Time
Scalable
Up to 10 Expansion
Per ALTO-III Node
Standard Network
Connectivity
Dual 10 GBe, Base T
with SFP+ Option
Easy to Deploy
Designed to require
no tools to maintain
Low Power Consumption
Only 300W
when in operational use
Highly Reliable
No Single Point
of Failure
through redundant
configuration
Extended Disk Life
as disks are spun-down
Low Lifetime Cost of Ownership
Strong
Green Credentials