Nowadays, when data is priceless, protecting it becomes a priority. Data archiving on tapes and regular backups are key elements in protecting against information loss. This is an essential solution for any organization that wants to protect its valuable resources.
At the beginning of 2025, you had the opportunity to get acquainted with the FUJIFILM brand during a webinar organized by Stovaris. The joint meeting provided you with valuable information about Fujifilm's innovative solutions, and your numerous questions about data archiving and other services testified to your great interest.
Stovaris is pleased to present this material, which will systematize the information gathered during the webinar. We hope it will provide you with useful knowledge and be a pleasure to read.
We invite you to read more!
Do the ribbons need to be checked every so often, if so what kind?
By default LTO tapes are checked regularly (every 6 months or when touched) as part of a health check. Health check is a method in which the FUJIFILM cartographer reads and records the condition and behavior of the tape on the outgoing RFID chip. Even if tapes are exported from the library, the software will request these tapes via a barcode label to ensure this procedure continues.
What does the price of LTO tapes depend on?
There is only one total price, which is a combination of hardware, software licenses, maintenance, tapes and intellectual property.
Regarding LTO what interface is supported: SAS or FC?
KangarooLite comes with a half-height FC LTO 8 drive. On newer models, this can change to SAS or LTO9/10. The system is a turnkey-ready solution, meaning you start the system and you're done! The KangarooLITE system will be connected to the network via 2x 10G Ethernet RJ45.
What happens to the archive if there is an error on the ribbon? Is it possible to recover the data during verification?
To ensure data stability, we perform logical fingerprinting. Every time we retrieve a file/object from a source or local storage, we generate a fingerprint (Blake 3). This fingerprint is placed in the system's local database (the system tape backs up this database every 24 hours), we double-check the fingerprint when writing data to the tape. So, if there is any error (buffer, network, radiation, etc.), it will be reported, and the data will be requested again! (Data recovery) If there is a duplicate copy, the system will pull the existing data from the second copy of the tape and inform you to restore the damaged tape.
Is there automatic ECC when reading?
Yes, this procedure is an automatic procedure.
By when will there be an EOS for LTO at FUJIFILM?
New generations of LTO tapes will also be available in the future . However, support depends on the generation. It is clear that newer generations will replace older generations.
LTO 12 is coming, and how long will support for the oldest tapes be run?
Right now we have the announcement of LTO10, and the roadmap already envisions LTO14. Support depends on the LTO consortium as it is defined, due to changes.
Software function - migration of the target - does FUJIFILM have such a solution?
We have an open format, and the data can be easily copied to a new generation of tape.
I want to upgrade to the latest LTO. Is it possible to lose the archive to preserve for a long time, or is there another way?
We support the migration of existing LTO tapes to newer LTO tapes if they have been stored using our software. If not we will be happy to help if you need migration support.
Why does Kangaroo have drives with LTO8 and not for LTO9 in FUJIFILM?
The FUJIFILM Kanagroo LITE was developed for LTO 8 in terms of capacity, performance and price. FUJIFILM Kanagroo is available with LTO 9 drives.
Why is archiving less secure than back-up storage?
Could you briefly explain where this information comes from? Also, please consider that the software is designed to have full-time access, as well as data stability - which backup software does not guarantee, which is why the whole industry is migrating. So it's all about long-term availability.
Is there a read-only role to view everything?
For this purpose, user roles can be defined.
What distinguishes FUJIFILM equipment from other solutions of this type?
It is a turnkey plug-and-play solution that can be up and running in 10 minutes. It has a low learning curve and long-term archiving software where data is constantly checked with logical and physical checks. The combination of all features makes it a unique solution on the market.
Does your solution include some sort of SSL encryption of the entire LTO tape?
We support SSL encryption for connections. We don't have software encryption yet, and perhaps that will change with DORA. FUJIFILM KangarooLITE supports hardware encryption.
What if a compatibility problem arises when migrating to a higher class of software?
Thanks to the open format, we have no compatibility problems. Our software is licensed by active capacity.
Is Kangaroo just a "whole solution," or can we use the drives as a separate target for other backup solutions?
You can use our software as a hybrid environment. To do so, partition your existing library for backup and archive. Please note that backup and archive have different target roles!
What hardware functions are used to calculate the value of a fingerprint?
BLAKE3
Does Kangaroo automatically export physical tapes for transfer to an external location?
We support export tapes, as well as Geo-Replication for external tapes. It depends on your strategy as to what to use and why.
As the ribbon is removed from the device (contains the archive), the administrator must remember to check the correctness from time to time or is there any reminder from the software?
The software will tell the administrator which tape must be returned to the library for inspection by announcing the corresponding barcode label, which is stored in the database.
When you buy a "Little" system, can you upgrade it to a larger capacity and add other drives such as LTO-9 FC or future drives?
Kangaroo LITE is not expandable by slots. In the future, you can replace the LTO drive, which will increase capacity. Perhaps replacement (trade-in) comes into play when data growth is so rapid.
Does the management software have permission levels (required to work with SPLUNK or other monitoring software)?
We have a general report and need to clarify with you in detail what kind of information is needed.
We would be happy to schedule a meeting to delve into your problem or question together and thoroughly discuss all technical aspects. We believe that a joint discussion will allow us to better understand your needs and find the most effective solution. The meeting will be an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience, which will certainly contribute to the effective solution of your problem. Please contact us to set a convenient date for the meeting.
d.murawski@stovaris.pl
tel: +48 691 701 175
Daniel joined the Stovaris Team in 2020. He has many years of experience in coordinating sales projects. He is distinguished by his commitment and interpersonal skills, which facilitates his networking and negotiation skills. At Stovaris, he is responsible for the brands: Fujitsu, Panasonic, Kofax, Fujifilm, Proget and Silex.