Disk vs Tape Backup: How To Choose The Best Backup Storage For Long Term

Backups ensure business continuity and data availability, reduce downtime in case of incidents, and increase data security. However, do you know which storage should you use for your data needs? Should you use a disk or tape for your business backup?

Magnetic tape backup storage has been used since the early days of computing. It was first used to store data on large reels and eventually became a popular medium for long-term data storage. 

Meanwhile, disk storage devices have more contemporary appeal, such as the ability to access data randomly and provide faster processes. 

What to consider when choosing a data backup system?

There are a few key aspects to consider when choosing your backup medium, all of them taking into account your data needs.

When deciding where to use disk or tape as a backup medium, you must analyze these characteristics: 

• Capacity: Tape storage systems typically have a higher capacity than disk storage systems.

• Cost: Magnetic tape is generally more expensive than disk storage.

• Maintenance: Tape drives need to be cleaned regularly, which can add to the cost of using them. Disk drives don’t require the same level of maintenance. 

Disk vs Tape overview

Both magnetic tapes and disks have advantages and disadvantages as backup methods. The best way to decide between them is using the following topics to fit the storage device to your needs.

If you don’t know what your backup needs are, you can answer:

• What’s the budget?

• Do I need this data daily?

• Is it a long-term backup?

Cost

One of the main advantages of Tape-based backup is that it’s much cheaper than disk storage. In terms of cost per TB, the average tape backup system costs $33/TB. While you can find disk storage devices with multiple prices, on an average of $50/TB.

Capacity

To decide if the storage capacity impacts your decision you must ask how much data you need to store, and then see if a tape is the best backup technology for you.

Not long ago, the answer for the backup capacity storage device would be a tape. However, now you can find disk systems that can store more data in a single device, thanks to increasing technological advances. 

Reliability

Tape drives are also very reliable, essentially because you mostly use them when you transfer data, forgetting about the tape until the day you need your backup. And for this, tapes are also a great option for offsite backup.

You can trust that, in a clean environment, the data on your tape drive will last for decades, and you likely won’t require a tape data recovery. 

Meanwhile, a disk has a short lifespan that can be shorter depending on the environment and usage.

Maintenance

One of the biggest drawbacks of tapes is that they require attention and a clean environment since any debris can damage them. Also, tapes need you to test them for damages and errors, which can be time-consuming and difficult to manage. 

Disk drives don’t require the same level of maintenance as tape drives. 

Accessibility

It can take longer to access data stored on tape than it does to access data stored on a disk. That’s because tapes write data in a serial manner, preventing you from finding files randomly.

Once you connect a backup disk, you can search for the files you need, making this type of storage easier to read stored data.

Scalability

One of the biggest advantages of disks is that it’s much easier to scale than tape storage. Magnetic tape doesn’t scale as easily as disk storage.

Speed

Additionally, disk storage is generally faster than tape storage. That’s because you have to search through the type for the information you need.

Power supply needs

Tape drives require less power than disk drives and can be powered down when not in use without affecting the reliability of the data. 

Data storage technology

Magnetic tape is a linear medium, which means that data can be written and read sequentially without having to seek different locations on the tape. This makes tape ideal for storing large amounts of data that are not frequently accessed. 

Disk drives are random access devices, which means that data can be stored anywhere on the disk and retrieved quickly. 

Which one should you use for long-term data backup? 

Ultimately, the decision of which one to use depends on your specific needs and budget. 

Magnetic Tape Backup is still a great option for those who are looking for a cheaper option. 

Disk Storage is better for those who don’t mind the extra cost and are looking for an easier-to-manage and faster solution. 

Whatever you decide, just make sure you have a plan in place for long-term data backup so you can rest assured knowing your data is safe. 

Your backup can also suffer accidents. Whether you’re using a tape or disk for backup, you can contact SalvageData for a secure and guaranteed recovery.