Integrator CaribSys built a hybrid backup and archive platform in Puerto Rico using HYCU, Synology, Wasabi, and a Qualstar LTO-9 tape library as the offline target. Here is the architecture, and what tape adds.
Published in Archive · 3 min read
CaribSys, an integrator focused on infrastructure, protection, and recovery, recently completed a hybrid backup and archive platform for an organization in Puerto Rico. The build combines enterprise backup software, on-premises storage, cloud storage, and tape. A Qualstar LTO-9 tape library provides the offline archive tier.
This architecture demonstrates the unique role of tape within a modern backup stack. Tape provides a function that no other layer can replicate.
The organization's data had spread across several systems. Nutanix infrastructure, Nutanix Files, and Synology NAS units each held critical workloads. The team needed four things at once: fast recovery for daily incidents, long-term retention, protection against ransomware, and a plan for infrastructure failure.
A single backup product addresses some requirements, but a comprehensive architecture is needed to meet all objectives.
CaribSys designed the platform around HYCU enterprise backup. HYCU protects the Nutanix infrastructure and Nutanix Files with application-aware backups, managed from one console.
Backups flow to a set of targets, each with a role:
QStar Archive Manager works with HYCU to move data according to policy across storage, tape, and cloud. The platform operates on a dedicated Supermicro server.
Policies remain straightforward. The Silver policy backs up to one NAS and copies to a second NAS and to Wasabi. The Bronze policy backs up to the NAS and copies to Wasabi. Each copy is independent, ensuring that the loss of one layer does not affect the others. The tape tier stores the archive copy offline.
Air gap: A cartridge stored in a library slot has no network address. Ransomware spreads through network connections, but an unmounted tape is inaccessible. The offline copy remains protected from attackers and serves as the recovery source when online data is compromised.
Retention without ongoing power costs: LTO media offers decades of shelf life and requires no power when idle. Storing cold data on tape is cost-effective, while disk storage incurs continuous expenses for power, cooling, and hardware maintenance.
A copy that endures adverse conditions: Organizations in Puerto Rico routinely plan for hurricanes and power outages. An offline cartridge remains unaffected by power loss, making this feature valuable in any location and essential in high-risk areas.
Cost-effective retention: The low per-terabyte cost of tape allows for more generous retention policies. Data that would otherwise be deleted from disk can be preserved on tape.
Each tier serves a distinct purpose. NAS units provide fast local restores. The cloud copy ensures data survives physical site loss. Tape protects against network failures. Backup software and archive policies coordinate data placement automatically. Removing any layer exposes the system to specific risks.
The customer's IT leadership put it this way:
“CaribSys delivered a solution that gives us confidence. Our data is protected locally, off-site, and offline. Exactly the resilience we needed.”
CaribSys managed this project from design to deployment, including architecture, hardware procurement, integration, on-site installation, and validation. For more information, contact their team at caribsys.io.
If you are designing a reference architecture and require an offline tier, we offer tape libraries ranging from compact units to rack-scale solutions. The library in this build uses LTO-9. Our current lineup supports LTO-9 and LTO-10, with media available from stock. All libraries use the open LTO standard compatible with your existing infrastructure. Contact our team for assistance in sizing the tape tier.
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