1U entry-level library built for simple deployments.
View details >Qualstar · Modern Cold Tier
Cyber-resilient, sustainable archive automation for AI-scale data retention.
Standards-based LTO tape libraries built to run the modern cold tier - offline recovery, energy-aware archives, and modular scale from TB to EB.
Featured platform
Q1000+Powered by Orion - now available. Standards-based LTO, no vendor lock-in, rack-scale archive automation.
LTO-10: 30TB native / up to 75TB compressed
Q1000+ Powered by Orion: 44.6 PB native per 48U rack; multi-rack scaling
Media uses zero power at rest
LTFS + WORM + encryption-ready
Library sizing wizard
Model data growth and ingest windows.
Use this quick model to estimate the right starting class. Final sizing should be validated with workload and software profile details.
Suggested class
Q40
Drive count range: 4-12 drives
Fits expanding archive programs that need modular scaling.
Inputs captured: 7 year retention, 20 TB/day ingest, 12 hour restore target.
Energy and TCO estimator
Evaluate archive power-at-rest strategy.
This estimator offers relative planning guidance. Tape media uses no power at rest, while disk-based cold tiers remain powered.
Relative planning output
Estimated annual disk energy cost for current cold tier: $7,358
Even smaller archives can improve resilience and power posture with an offline tier for long-retention datasets.
This is a directional model, not a savings guarantee.
Use-case fit
Choose the outcome first, then the library class.
Cyber Recovery Vault
Add an offline recovery layer beyond network reach to support ransomware recovery planning.
Architecture snippet: Production backups replicate to tape policy tier, then export vaulted copies for physical separation and controlled restore workflows.
Recommended classes: Q24, Q40, Q80
AI/HPC Cold Tier
Retain training datasets, simulation output, and reproducibility archives without keeping all data on always-on storage.
Architecture snippet: Warm disk tier handles active runs while automated tape libraries hold long-horizon datasets with scheduled ingest windows.
Recommended classes: Q40, Q80, Q1000+
Media Preservation
Preserve camera masters, mezzanine files, and restoration assets with predictable archive operations.
Architecture snippet: File workflows move completed projects into LTFS-addressable tape pools with metadata indexing and periodic integrity checks.
Recommended classes: Q24, Q40, Q80
Regulatory Retention
Support governance policies that require multi-year retention, auditability, and controlled access.
Architecture snippet: Policy-based writes use WORM-capable media profiles, partitioned libraries, and lifecycle reporting for compliance programs.
Recommended classes: Q8, Q24, Q40
Scale proof
Built for growth from compact deployments to rack-scale archives.
LTO-10 media class
30TB native / up to 75TB compressed
Q1000+Powered by Orion density
44.6 PB native per 48U rack
Q series path
Q8 and Q24 through Q40, Q80, and Q1000+Powered by Orion
Expansion model
Start small, expand drive counts and slots as retention grows
Integration proof
Integrates with modern networked archive workflows.
Qualstar deployments support standards-based LTO operations with remote management, automation controls, and Ethernet-oriented integration paths for distributed environments.
- Supports LTFS, WORM-capable workflows, and encryption-ready operations.
- Remote management enables shared operations across sites.
- Bridging-based Ethernet/iSCSI integration supports placement flexibility.