Quantum Releases Scalar i7 RAPTOR for High-Density Data Storage Needs

Quantum has launched the Scalar i7 RAPTOR, a new tape storage system designed for hyperscale data environments, managed service providers (MSPs), and large enterprises. The system prioritizes high storage density, energy efficiency, and data security, addressing the growing need for scalable and cost-effective storage solutions in AI, cloud, and archival applications.

Responding to Increased Data Demands

The Scalar i7 RAPTOR is built to handle the rising demand for data retention driven by AI workloads and cloud computing. Based on IDC research, Quantum expects AI data center capacity to grow by 40.5% annually through 2027, leading to increased energy consumption and storage requirements. The Scalar i7 RAPTOR provides a high-capacity solution to manage these challenges while optimizing energy use and minimizing physical space requirements.

Specifications and Capabilities

The system offers 2,008 usable data slots in a single library cabinet, providing up to 36PB of storage using LTO-9 tape cartridges. This density marks a significant improvement over existing scale-up and scale-out tape libraries, reducing costs associated with power, cooling, floor space, and colocation.

Serviceability

The Scalar i7 RAPTOR components are designed for user replacement in under five minutes, reducing downtime. Hardware is also built to be durable to minimize damage during maintenance, while the system can be pre-configured at the factory for ease of installation.

Power Efficiency

The Scalar i7 RAPTOR uses 80 PLUS Platinum-rated power supplies, among the most efficient available for tape libraries. Fully configured systems consume less than 1 kilowatt of power, with typical configurations using under 0.5 kilowatts.

Security Features

The system incorporates several security measures, including:

• Ransomware protection through Active Vault and Logical Tape Blocking.
• Multi-factor authentication.
• Alerts for unauthorized media removal.

These features are designed to safeguard data from unauthorized access and ensure immutability.

Integration

The Scalar i7 RAPTOR is compatible with Quantum’s StorNext file systems, ActiveScale object storage solutions, and third-party software from Veeam and Commvault. It supports AI workflows and S3 Glacier-compatible cold storage configurations.

Expanded Capabilities

The Scalar i7 RAPTOR can be deployed in a Redundant Array of Independent Libraries (RAIL) architecture, allowing for distributed data management across multiple systems. When paired with Quantum’s ActiveScale, it boosts storage efficiency, reliability, and durability, making it a practical option for managing large-scale archives or setting up private data clouds.

The Scalar i7 RAPTOR integrates with StorNext data services, including FlexTier, to enable seamless data lifecycle management. This new tape solution means data can transition smoothly between various storage types—high-speed NVMe, SSDs, traditional hard drives, tape, or even cloud—based on preset policies or manual adjustments. This flexibility not only supports long-term data preservation but also helps keep costs under control by using the most appropriate storage medium for each phase of the data lifecycle.

Technical Highlights

• A single cabinet with a scale-out architecture supports up to 20 LTO full-height drives.
• Capacity starts at 100 slots and scales in increments of 100 slots up to 2,008 slots.
• It supports FC and SAS interfaces supporting LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 tape drives.
• It is available with AC and DC options and fully redundant 2N power.

Availability

The Scalar i7 RAPTOR is now available for general distribution. Early units are already in use for customer testing and certification.

Quantum Scalar i7 RAPTOR Product Page