Overview The HPE BC023A#ABA is an external tape drive designed for reliable long-term data protection and archiving using the LTO-8 Ultrium format. It offers a native transfer speed of 300 MB per second and supports up to 30 TB of compressed data per cartridge, making it an efficient solution for managing large backups and archives. This drive supports both LTO-8 and LTO-7 media, providing flexibility for existing tape libraries, and features hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption to secure sensitive information. Key features Stores up to 30 TB of compressed data per LTO-8 cartridge, reducing the number of tapes needed for large archives Native write speed of 300 MB per second shortens backup windows and accelerates data transfer Hardware AES 256-bit encryption ensures data security during transfer and storage without impacting performance Write-once-read-many (WORM) mode creates unalterable archives, ideal for compliance and audit requirements 6 Gb/s SAS interface provides stable and fast connectivity to servers and workstations without additional adapters Compatible with both LTO-8 and LTO-7 cartridges, allowing seamless integration with existing tape media Supports Linear Tape File System (LTFS) for easy drag-and-drop file management, making tape storage more accessible Half-height form factor fits standard 5.25-inch bays or can be used externally, offering versatile installation options Includes a mini SAS cable for quick setup right out of the box Certified for use with Windows, Linux, UNIX, and other major operating systems, ensuring broad compatibility Backed by a three-year parts warranty from HPE for dependable long-term operation Key specs Storage capacity: up to 30 TB compressed per LTO-8 cartridge (2.5:1 compression) Native transfer speed: 300 MB per second Encryption: AES 256-bit hardware-based Interface: 6 Gb/s SAS Media compatibility: reads and writes LTO-8 and LTO-7 cartridges Form factor: half-height 5.25-inch drive bay or external enclosure File system support: Linear Tape File System (LTFS) Operating system compatibility: Windows, Linux, UNIX, and others Warranty: three years parts coverage Connectivity and compatibility The drive connects via a 6 Gb/s SAS interface, which ensures reliable and fast data transfer to servers or workstations without requiring special adapters. It supports major operating systems including Windows, Linux, and UNIX, making it suitable for diverse IT environments. The included mini SAS cable simplifies initial setup, allowing you to integrate the drive quickly into your existing infrastructure. Ideal uses and environments This tape drive is well suited for organizations that need to archive large volumes of data securely and cost-effectively. Video production teams can offload high-resolution footage to tape for long-term storage, while research facilities can archive experimental data without expanding expensive disk arrays. IT departments benefit from predictable costs and compliance-ready features like WORM mode, making it a strong choice for backup and archival workflows that require data integrity and security over time.