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Back during my systems admin days working for a small company, our backup solution consisted of RAID 1 to provide on-site redundancy, and then we used LTO tapes for offsite backups. Although it worked okay, cataloging and versioning the tapes was time consuming, and managing the tape backups, storing them offsite, and tape reliability were pain points for me. However, at the time, it was the best solution we had.<\/p>\n
Cloud storage has been around for a while, but in the past few years, it has really emerged as an excellent alternative to LTO for offsite backups. What makes cloud storage a solution to consider is that network speeds have drastically improved, and the cost of cloud storage<\/a> has become very affordable. To explore why cloud storage is a viable competitor to LTO, we\u2019ll start by comparing the current and ongoing cost of LTO versus cloud storage and then dig into the cost assumptions underlying the model. We\u2019ll finish up by reviewing the pros and cons of three potential outcomes:<\/p>\n Cost calculators for comparing LTO to Cloud Storage<\/a> tend to be either very simple or complex. The simple ones generally compare hardware and tape costs to cloud storage costs and neglect things like personnel costs, maintenance costs, etc. With a complex calculator, you might see references to the cost of capital, interest on leasing equipment, depreciation, and the tax implications of buying equipment versus paying for a monthly subscription service.<\/p>\n The Backblaze LTO vs. Cloud Storage calculator<\/a> falls somewhere in the middle. The underlying model considers many factors, which we\u2019ll get into shortly, but if you are a Fortune 500 company with a warehouse full of tape robots, this model is not for you. Use the built-in slider to compare your total cost from 1 to 10 years. You can run the model as often as you like under different scenarios.<\/p>\n To explore the assumptions we used to create the calculator, scroll past the LTO vs. B2 Cloud Storage calculator.<\/a> Then, click on the link just below the calculator, \u201cSee details on Cost and Operational Assumptions.\u201d A pop-up will display the information for you to review. Let\u2019s talk about some of the most relevant points and how they apply to you.<\/p>\n Our calculations don\u2019t include the cost of the tapes, machines, etc., or the deprecation of that equipment. The reason is that, typically, a company purchases LTO systems and spreads the cost over ten years. After that, the expired systems are replaced with newer models and expensed over ten years. The tapes, maintenance, and other costs are expensed as they are incurred.<\/p>\n We noted earlier the three potential outcomes when evaluating LTO versus cloud storage for data backup: switching to cloud storage<\/a>, staying with LTO, or using a hybrid LTO\/cloud storage solution. Let\u2019s explore each option.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s say that after doing some research and using the calculator, you determine that cloud storage is actually a less expensive and more efficient backup solution for your company. You don\u2019t have a large amount of existing data, 100 terabytes or so, and you would love to stop using LTO tapes forever.<\/p>\n Your first challenge is to move your existing data to the cloud\u2014quickly. One solution is the Backblaze B2 Fireball data transfer service. <\/a>You can move up to 70TB of data each trip from your location to Backblaze in days. This saves your bandwidth and saves time as well. This is one of a handful of services offered through Universal Data Migration.<\/a> Universal Data Migration helps you quickly and securely move large datasets into B2 Cloud Storage–from public clouds and cloud drives, servers, and tape. Plus, we’ll help cover migration costs with qualifying commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n As the existing data is being transferred to Backblaze B2, you\u2019ll want to select a product or service to move your daily generated information to the cloud regularly. Backblaze has several integration partners that perform data backup services<\/a> to Backblaze B2. You have many options and can choose the best software that fits your needs.<\/p>\n After using the calculator, you find cloud storage is less expensive, but you are one of those unlucky companies that can\u2019t get reasonably priced bandwidth in their area. Or, perhaps you recently upgraded your LTO equipment and it doesn\u2019t make sense to replace it now. Regardless, you must continue to use LTO for the time being. It works, although it does have its pain points. When things change, you will be ready, and you could consider migrating over to cloud storage or moving to a hybrid model explained in detail below.<\/p>\n Even companies that use LTO for backups and archiving also store some data in the cloud. For our purposes, Hybrid LTO\/Cloud Storage is defined as one of the following:<\/p>\n There are dozens of other scenarios where some data is on tape and some stored in the cloud. Often it makes sense to archive some data sets using LTO.<\/p>\n Companies that use a lot of tapes and have vast amounts of data may find it overwhelming to consider switching to cloud storage backups. The hybrid LTO\/cloud model makes it easier by breaking the project down into manageable steps. For example, solutions like Starwind VTL<\/a> and Archiware P5<\/a> allow you to start backing up to the cloud with minimal changes to your existing tape-based backup systems.<\/p>\n The easiest way to make the switch is to start by storing your daily incremental files in the cloud. Immediately, you will enjoy the benefit of less \u201ctape work.\u201d Additionally, they are readily available to you if you need to restore any files. Once you feel comfortable with the daily backups, you can consider moving the rest of your data to the cloud. Rest assured, the process is entirely up to you, and you can do it on your schedule in a way that is most comfortable for you.<\/p>\n While studies show that tape usage has actually increased for some use cases in recent years, physical media is by its very nature finite. Eventually you will need to migrate your backups to another solution. LTO 4 and 5 users are already feeling that stress. To migrate all that data from your existing LTO system to LTO version \u201cX,\u201d cloud storage, or something else, will be a substantial task. It is probably a good idea to start planning for that now.<\/p>\n\n
Comparing the Cost of LTO Versus Cloud Storage<\/h2>\n
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\nTo use the Backblaze calculator, enter:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Assumptions Behind the Model<\/h3>\n
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Choosing a Data Backup Model<\/h2>\n
Switching to Cloud Storage<\/h3>\n
Staying with LTO<\/h3>\n
Hybrid LTO\/Cloud Storage model<\/h3>\n
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Will Cloud Storage Replace LTO?<\/h2>\n