Tape libraries are often automated machines that store and load one or more tape drives, whereas tape enclosures help mount these libraries. These tape library devices are primarily used for backups and data archiving. Whether you're after a tape library autoloader or tape controller, we have a something to suit your enterprise IT businesses.
At ITinStock, we have various tape enclosures and drives Dell, Fujitsu, HPE, IBM & more. Check out our selection below or contact our team for further advice on tape enclosures and drives.
Tape enclosures and drives are a great cost-effective solution for long-term data storage. With a significantly lower cost per terabyte, tape is ideal for archiving large volumes of data that do not require frequent access. Not only that, but tape media has a much longer lifespan than HDDs (20–30 years when stored correctly), making it a reliable choice backup and disaster recovery.
Unlike HDD-based systems, tape cartridges can be stored offline (air-gapped), providing strong protection against cyber threats such as ransomware. For businesses looking to securely store vast amounts of data while minimising operational costs, tape drives and libraries remain a proven and dependable solution. Why not take a look at our new & refurbished range from ITinStock?
Why Choose Refurbished Tape Equipment from ITinStock?
At ITinStock, we are happy to discuss any bespoke configurations for your storage solutions, including suitable tape drives and tape libraries. Each tape enclosure & drive undergoes rigorous testing by our certified technicians to ensure they function optimally before leaving us. We also offer fast delivery to the UK and worldwide for all in-stock items, and our expert support team are on hand to assist with configuration advice and post-sales support.
Complement Your Tape Setup
Complete your tape equipment with these essential components:
Tape Drives Store and retrieve large volumes of data on magnetic tape drives. Take a look at our huge selection.
Tape LibrariesHouse multiple tape drives in tape libraries on your server racks, able to autoload and retrieve data.
Rack Solutions Whether it's server racks, rails, PDUs or UPS, we have plenty of rack solutions to rackmount your tape equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tape drive and a tape library?
A tape drive is a single device used to read and write data to tape cartridges, typically suited to smaller environments or manual backup processes.
A tape library, on the other hand, is an automated system that contains multiple tape drives and cartridges, allowing for scheduled, hands-free backups and large-scale data archiving. Tape libraries are ideal for organisations managing high data volumes, as they reduce manual intervention and improve backup efficiency.
Why are tape drives still used instead of HDD or cloud storage?
Tape storage remains popular because it offers a very low cost per terabyte and is highly reliable for long-term data retention. Unlike HDDs or cloud storage, tape can be stored offline, providing an “air-gapped” layer of protection against cyber threats such as ransomware. Many businesses use tape alongside disk or cloud solutions as part of a tiered backup strategy, particularly for archival and compliance data.
How much data can a tape drive or tape library store?
Capacity depends on the LTO (Linear Tape-Open) generation used. Modern LTO tapes can store multiple terabytes per cartridge, and when used within a tape library, total storage capacity can scale significantly by adding more cartridges and drives. For example, enterprise tape libraries can support dozens of slots and hundreds of terabytes of storage, making them suitable for large-scale backup and archiving environments.
Are refurbished tape drives and libraries reliable?
Yes, we at ITinStock thoroughly test all of our tape enclosures, tape drives and server components. We make sure they are refurbished to almost brand-new and work as intended. Our technical experts will clear, refurbish and test all tape equipment to make sure they store and retrieve data correctly, before sending this out to any applicable customer.
What are tape drives and libraries typically used for?
Tape drives and libraries are primarily used for backup, disaster recovery, and long-term data archiving. They are especially valuable in industries that must retain large volumes of data securely over long periods, such as finance, healthcare, and legal sectors. Tape systems also support automated backup processes and reduce the risk of human error when used within library environments.
Find Your Ideal Tape Enclosure & Drive at ITinStock
Browse our complete range of refurbished tape enclosures & drives or contact our team for expert advice on selecting the right tape equipment for your business.
