Virtual Tape Libraries: A New or Old Word in the World of Data Backup?

 

Virtualization is changing every sphere of data backup and restoration. It is also redefining how businesses experience tape libraries. For instance, virtual tape libraries (VTLs) replacing physical tapes. These tapes are essential for advancing disk-to-disk backup Office 365 efforts.

Moreover, they let you enjoy the best of the two worlds of tapes and disks. When combined with tape-based backups, these virtual tapes let you enjoy maximum data protection, enhanced execution, and greater dependability. 

So, are these tapes another new or old word in data backup? What exactly are VTLs, and what are their benefits and limitations? Keep on reading to discover more.

What Are They and How Do They Work?

A VTL is a virtualized backup solution that blends conventional tape backup methodologies with cost-saving technologies to formulate an optimal backup and recovery remedy. This type of disk-based library has artificial intelligence that lets it emulate conventional tape gadgets and formats.

The technology acts like a tape library that integrates modern disk drive performance. However, the process differs from the traditional one because it deposits data on the tape faster. These tape libraries are ideal tools for backing up data as they head to tapes or independent tape library solutions. They comprise virtual tape servers and software that enable them to mimic their physical counterparts.

Moreover, these solutions are ideal for backing and archiving data. They write data sequentially like physical tapes. They are also scalable and allow you to integrate them with other storage features such as deduplication. However, they differ from disk-based backups in the following core ways:

• These virtual tapes have extra technological capabilities that enable them to act like physical ones;
• On the other hand, disk-based technologies and backups act as network-attached storage devices you can mount with backup storages;

However, you can attach both virtual and physical tape libraries to backup media servers. You can also manage both of them using server managers.

Advantages

So, how do these virtual tapes outshine their physical predecessors? Here are their main benefits for your business’s storage needs.

• They need fewer human resources to manage your backups in them. 
• They help you to save cooling costs and space because you can deduplicate your data inside them.
• You can restore and back up your data faster. 
• You can back up your data consistently and successfully due to their architectural redundancy. 
• You can expand your storage capacity without disrupting your normal storage operations. 
• Their backup window needs no LAN.
• You can enjoy multi-thread restoration alternatives.
• They reduce migration time from disk to the tape.
• They don’t need caching.
• You enjoy numerous libraries inside logical partitions.
• They have a more flexible storage capacity than their physical counterparts.
• VTLs also have variable drive configurations that depend on your environment’s needs.

Core Features 

VTLs have three core features that enable them to give you the benefits we discussed in the previous section. They are as follows:

Cost-saving

They reduce the need for costly tools. Instead, they let you utilize special servers and superior execution rotating disks instead of traditional drives.  

Better Execution 

They utilize quickly rotating hard disks to mimic tapes, and thus, speed up backup processes. They also utilize multitier RAM, flash cache, and information deduplication. This way, they perform better than physical tapes and hard drives.

Simplicity

Lastly, managing them is more convenient than their physical counterparts because they seamlessly integrate into existing architecture. Thus, you don’t need prolonged installation, configuring, and running processes.

Disadvantages

Although VTLs have beautiful features and benefits, they still have some specific shortcomings. Below are their leading disadvantages you need to note.

• Although they significantly improve their physical predecessors, the technology behind them is less proven. 
• While they are excellent tools for working in smaller production ecosystems, their scope is still limited in larger organizations requiring a broader scale and performance levels.

There you go with all you needed to know about VTLs, their benefits, features, and shortcomings. The choice is yours to see how you can integrate them into your data backup and archiving strategy. We hope this information will assist you in making the right decision.