A Tape Gateway is a service that helps organizations move away from using physical tape libraries on their premises by replacing them with virtual tapes stored in the cloud, specifically in AWS.
It is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing data backup workflows without requiring changes to your current backup applications.
How Does Tape Gateway Work?
The core function of a Tape Gateway is to act as a bridge between your on-premises backup software and cloud storage.
- Virtual Tapes: Instead of writing data to physical tape cartridges, your backup application writes data to virtual tapes presented by the Tape Gateway.
- Cloud Storage: These virtual tapes are then stored in AWS, leveraging the scalability and durability of cloud storage services like Amazon S3.
- Compatibility: A key feature is its compatibility. As noted in the reference, Tape Gateway supports all leading backup applications, ensuring a smooth transition.
- Local Cache: The gateway keeps a cache of virtual tapes on-premises. This allows for low-latency access to your most recent data, making restores quicker for frequently accessed information.
Key Benefits
Transitioning to a Tape Gateway offers several advantages:
- Cost Savings: Reduce or eliminate the need for physical tape media, offsite storage, and maintaining physical tape infrastructure.
- Operational Simplicity: Simplify backup and recovery processes. No more manual handling of physical tapes.
- Durability & Reliability: Data stored in AWS benefits from the inherent durability and reliability of cloud storage, often exceeding that of physical media.
- Scalability: Easily scale your storage capacity in the cloud as your data grows without purchasing and managing more physical tapes or libraries.
- Integration: Enables you to replace using physical tapes on premises with virtual tapes in AWS without changing existing backup workflows. This minimizes disruption during the migration.
Tape Gateway vs. Physical Tapes
Here's a simple comparison:
| Feature | Physical Tapes | Tape Gateway (Virtual Tapes in AWS) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Medium | Physical Cartridges | Virtual Tapes (Cloud Storage) |
| Location | On-premises, Offsite Vaults | AWS Cloud |
| Management | Manual handling, Library maintenance | Software-based, Automated |
| Cost | Media, Hardware, Offsite Storage | Cloud storage fees |
| Scalability | Limited by library capacity & media | Highly scalable in the cloud |
| Backup Apps | Works with traditional apps | Supports all leading backup applications |
| Access Latency | Can be high (retrieval time) | Low (via local cache), S3 access |
In essence, a Tape Gateway provides a modern, cloud-based alternative to traditional tape backups, allowing organizations to leverage the cloud without overhauling their existing backup strategies.
