HPE StoreEver MSL LTO-8 Ultrium 30750 SAS Drive Upgrade Kit

Upgrade your enterprise tape library with the HPE StoreEver MSL LTO-8 Ultrium 30750 SAS Drive Upgrade Kit. This purpose-built kit is designed to retrofit HPE StoreEver MSL libraries with the latest LTO-8 Ultrium drive technology, unlocking higher capacity, faster backups, and stronger data protection for long-term archival. Built to withstand demanding data-center environments, the upgrade kit ensures seamless integration with your MSL 30750 library, reducing downtime while boosting reliability and efficiency across backup, restore, and offsite replication workflows.

By migrating to LTO-8 Ultrium, organizations gain significant advantages in data density, throughput, and security. The combination of HPE StoreEver hardware, Ultrium 8 media, and robust encryption capabilities makes it easier to meet stringent regulatory requirements, simplify data management, and optimize disaster-recovery readiness. This upgrade kit is ideal for enterprises seeking to modernize legacy tape infrastructure without migrating away from established backup regimes or rearchitecting existing backup software stacks.

• Upgrade to LTO-8 Ultrium performance with 12 TB native capacity per cartridge and up to 30 TB compressed per tape, enabling longer backups and fewer media swaps in high-volume environments.
• Achieve faster backup windows with native transfer rates up to 360 MB/s, accelerating data protection cycles and shortening the time needed for full and incremental backups.
• Enhance data protection with hardware-based AES-256 encryption and streamlined key management, delivering strong protection for data at rest on removable media used in vaulting and transport scenarios.
• Maintain backward compatibility with previous generations for reading legacy tapes and enabling smoother data migration from older LTO generations, supporting continuity during transitional upgrades.
• Designed for easy installation in HPE StoreEver MSL environments, the upgrade kit includes mounting hardware, SAS data and power cables, and comprehensive documentation to minimize downtime and simplify deployment.

Technical Details of HPE StoreEver MSL LTO-8 Ultrium 30750 SAS Drive Upgrade Kit

• Product family: HPE StoreEver MSL LTO-8 Ultrium drive upgrade kit for the 30750 library model.
• Interface: SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) 12 Gb/s for high-bandwidth, reliable data transfer within the MSL library ecosystem.
• Media compatibility: LTO-8 Ultrium tapes; typically offers read compatibility with LTO-7 media in supported configurations, enabling smoother data migration and retrieval across generations.
• Native cartridge capacity: 12 TB; compressed capacity: up to 30 TB per cartridge under typical LTO data compression assumptions.
• Data transfer rate: Up to approximately 360 MB/s native; real-world performance varies with data type, block size, and streaming workload.
• Security features: Hardware-based AES-256 encryption to protect data at rest on tapes that support encryption capabilities and key management policies.
• Firmware and support: Includes recommended firmware level for LTO-8 operation within MSL libraries; firmware updates may be required to ensure full compatibility and optimal performance.

How to install HPE StoreEver MSL LTO-8 Ultrium 30750 SAS Drive Upgrade Kit

• Prepare the system: Confirm compatibility with your MSL 30750 library and verify firmware readiness. Power down the library according to your facility’s procedures and follow ESD-safe handling practices before beginning installation.
• Remove the existing drive module: Safely disconnect cables, unlatch or unmount the current drive module, and store it in a static-free area if reuse is planned.
• Install the LTO-8 upgrade module: Align the new LTO-8 drive module with the carrier, secure it with the appropriate mounting hardware, and ensure proper seating and alignment of connectors within the chassis.
• Connect power and SAS interface: Attach the SAS data cable and power connectors, route cables to maintain unobstructed airflow, and verify that all connections are firmly seated.
• Firmware update and validation: Apply the recommended firmware revision for the LTO-8 drive, power the library back on, and run a full POST/diagnostic test. Perform a media sanity check and a controlled backup/restore test to confirm performance, stability, and compatibility with existing media and configurations.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does the HPE StoreEver MSL LTO-8 Ultrium 30750 SAS Drive Upgrade Kit include?
  A: The kit includes an LTO-8 Ultrium drive module tailored for the MSL 30750 library, mounting hardware, SAS data and power cables, firmware, and comprehensive installation documentation to support a smooth upgrade.
• Q: Can I read LTO-7 tapes with the LTO-8 drive upgrade?
  A: LTO-8 drives typically support reading LTO-7 media, aiding data migration and retrieval from older generations. Writing to older generation tapes is not supported by LTO-8 drives; verify with your library firmware and media matrix for your specific setup.
• Q: Will this upgrade affect existing backups or job configurations?
  A: The upgrade is designed to be transparent to standard backup workflows, but may necessitate firmware updates and library resequencing. Plan a maintenance window and verify all jobs after installation.
• Q: Is hardware encryption supported with the LTO-8 upgrade?
  A: Yes. The LTO-8 Ultrium drive provides hardware-based AES-256 encryption to protect data at rest on tapes that support encryption keys and policies, helping meet security and compliance requirements.
• Q: What about support and warranty after upgrading?
  A: The upgrade kit is covered under the same HPE StoreEver warranty terms as the host library or per your service agreement. Check regional terms with your HPE reseller or partner for specifics.
• Q: Do I need to upgrade firmware on the library to use the LTO-8 drive?
  A: It is recommended to update the library firmware to the latest supported version to ensure full compatibility and optimal performance with LTO-8 media and features.