Q8 Entry Library
Compact archive automation for edge retention and offline recovery.
Q8 is designed for teams that need a compact first step into standards-based LTO retention with operational simplicity.
Q8 highlights
- Up to 144TB native or 360TB compressed capacity.
- 1U footprint for constrained environments.
- Remote management interface for distributed operations.
- Field-replaceable components for service continuity.
Use-case fit before specs
Match archive outcomes to the right library class.
Cyber Recovery Vault
Add an offline recovery layer beyond network reach to support ransomware recovery planning.
Recommended: Q24, Q40, Q80
AI/HPC Cold Tier
Retain training datasets, simulation output, and reproducibility archives without keeping all data on always-on storage.
Recommended: Q40, Q80, Q1000+
Media Preservation
Preserve camera masters, mezzanine files, and restoration assets with predictable archive operations.
Recommended: Q24, Q40, Q80
Regulatory Retention
Support governance policies that require multi-year retention, auditability, and controlled access.
Recommended: Q8, Q24, Q40
Q8 specifications
Role in portfolio
Q8 is the start-small option for teams building an offline archive layer and planning expansion to larger libraries over time.
Plan an LTO migration >Best for
- Cyber Recovery Vault for smaller sites
- Regulatory Retention for departmental data
- Media Preservation for compact teams
- AI/HPC Cold Tier for smaller reproducibility sets
Scale path
Start with Q8 for isolated or departmental retention, then transition to Q24 or Q40 as data under management and ingest volume increase.
Security and governance
Supports LTFS workflows, WORM-capable retention policy designs, and encryption-ready operations depending on drive/media profile.
Operations
Remote management and automation help central teams monitor library status without daily onsite intervention.
Get a configuration + sizing >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.
Why Tape
- Lowest long-term cost per terabyte for deep archive.
- Offline media provides an air gap against ransomware.
- Media longevity suited for multi-decade retention.
LTO and LTFS
- Open LTO roadmap keeps media compatible and available.
- LTFS enables file-level access and portability.
- WORM options support compliance retention policies.
Why Qualstar
- Serviceable hardware with field-replaceable modules.
- Remote Management Interface for faster diagnostics.
- Configuration guidance for right-sized deployments.