The digital age thrives on data, and as the sheer volume of information generated worldwide explodes, the challenge of storing it securely, affordably, and for the long term becomes increasingly pressing. From the intricate details of medical imaging to the vast datasets powering autonomous driving and the relentless stream of IoT information, businesses and organizations face an unparalleled demand for robust storage solutions. Stepping into this critical space, FUJIFILM India, a wholly owned subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, has announced a significant leap forward with the launch of its LTO Ultrium 10 Data Cartridge (LTO-10) in India. This new magnetic data storage tape cartridge promises a staggering maximum recording capacity of 75 terabytes (TB) per cartridge, or 30 TB for uncompressed data, signaling a potential shift in how large-scale data is managed and protected.
Key Takeaways:
- Fujifilm’s LTO Ultrium 10 Data Cartridge (LTO-10) is now available in India.
- It offers a maximum storage capacity of 75 TB per cartridge (30 TB uncompressed data).
- This represents a 1.67x increase in capacity compared to the previous LTO-9 generation.
- LTO-10 utilizes new “fine hybrid magnetic particles” for enhanced recording density.
- Magnetic tape storage, like LTO-10, provides “air gap” data protection, isolating data from network threats.
- It is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) for large data volumes.
The release of LTO-10 comes at a pivotal moment. The global data landscape is undergoing exponential growth, projected to hit 175 zettabytes by 2025. This surge is fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the widespread adoption of IoT devices, and the increasing sophistication of technologies like autonomous driving and medical diagnostics. Beyond the sheer volume, stringent compliance laws and regulations mandate that organizations store vast quantities of data securely for extended periods. This dual pressure of immense data generation and strict regulatory requirements underscores the need for dependable and efficient storage solutions.
Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, emphasized the company’s dedication to providing solutions that align with their group purpose of “Giving Our World More Smiles.” He stated that the LTO Ultrium 10 launch is a major milestone in supporting enterprises with scalable, secure, and future-ready data storage options. Wada pointed out that as global data volumes continue to rise, businesses require technologies that can safeguard crucial information efficiently and cost-effectively.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. J Solomon Sukumar, Associate Director – Recording Media & Industrial Products, FUJIFILM India, highlighted the blend of security and advanced capabilities LTO-10 brings to data-centric enterprises in India. He explained that the “fine hybrid magnetic particles” used in the cartridge boost recording density while preserving data integrity and durability, even in high-volume storage settings. Sukumar also noted the crucial “air-gapped” nature of offline storage, which shields organizations in sectors like BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), healthcare, government, and research from evolving cybersecurity threats. LTO-10 offers a reliable solution that not only helps reduce long-term storage expenses but also supports regulatory compliance and business continuity in a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure.
The Technological Leap: Fine Hybrid Magnetic Particles and Increased Capacity
LTO-10 represents the 10th generation of the Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Ultrium standard for magnetic tape storage media. This iteration delivers a significant 1.67 times increase in storage capacity compared to its predecessor, LTO-9, which offered 18 TB of uncompressed data. This substantial jump in capacity is directly attributable to Fujifilm’s proprietary “fine hybrid magnetic particles”.
For the first time in the “LTO Ultrium” series, Fujifilm has incorporated these innovative particles. The “fine hybrid magnetic particles” are a result of combining nanoparticle design technologies from both next-generation Strontium Ferrite (SrFe) particles and Barium Ferrite (BaFe) particles, which are currently used in high-capacity data storage tapes. By further reducing the particle size of the magnetic material and improving its magnetic properties, Fujifilm has managed to increase the areal recording density of magnetic tape by approximately 1.7 times compared to current products. This enhancement is key to allowing systems to securely store even larger data volumes at a lower cost.
The areal recording density is a fundamental metric in magnetic tape technology, indicating the amount of data that can be stored per unit area. Improving this density is crucial for increasing overall storage capacity. The development of “fine hybrid magnetic particles” is a testament to Fujifilm’s deep research into magnetic materials and their application in data storage.
Beyond Capacity: Cost-Effectiveness and Unparalleled Security
While the sheer capacity of LTO-10 is impressive, its advantages extend to cost-effectiveness and robust data security. Magnetic tape storage, generally, offers lower initial implementation costs when compared to hard disk drives (HDDs). This makes it a more economically viable solution for storing large amounts of data. Based on Fujifilm’s research, the superiority of tape storage in terms of Total Cost of Acquisition (TCA) per 1TB is confirmed for data storage volumes of 10 petabytes (PB) or more.
Perhaps one of the most compelling features of tape storage, particularly in the current cybersecurity climate, is its “air gap” data protection. This means the data stored on tape is physically isolated from the network. This physical isolation significantly minimizes the risk of data damage or loss that could result from system failures, exposure to computer viruses, ransomware attacks, or other forms of cyberattacks. In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent, an air-gapped solution provides an invaluable layer of defense for mission-critical information.
Furthermore, the optimized material design of the LTO-10 cartridge ensures stable read/write operations, with high-precision tracking and excellent running durability of magnetic heads. These technical aspects contribute to the overall reliability and longevity of the storage solution.
Product Specifications and Availability
The FUJIFILM LTO Ultrium 10 Data Cartridge (LTO-10) was released on June 13, 2025. The main specifications of the cartridge are as follows:
- Maximum capacity (uncompressed): 75TB (30TB)
- Maximum transfer rate (uncompressed): 1,000MB/sec.
- Cartridge memory: Internal EEPROM with 32kB electromagnetic induction antenna
- Tape width: 12.65 mm
- Tape thickness: 5.2 μm
- Tape length: 1,035 m
Fujifilm offers the LTO-10 in various model numbers and packaging formats, with pricing details available through their sales representatives. Some of the available packaging formats include:
- LTO FB UL-10 30.0T: 5 cartridges x 4
- LTO FB UL-10WORM 30.0T: 5 cartridges x 4
- LTO FB UL-10 30.0T LP20: 20 cartridges x 1
- LTO FB UL-10 30.0T ECO: 20 cartridges x 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is LTO-10?
A1: LTO-10, or LTO Ultrium 10 Data Cartridge, is the 10th generation of the Linear Tape-Open standard for magnetic tape data storage. It is designed to store large amounts of data securely and cost-effectively.
Q2: How much data can an LTO-10 cartridge store?
A2: An LTO-10 cartridge can store a maximum of 75 terabytes (TB) of compressed data, or 30 TB of uncompressed data.
Q3: How does LTO-10 compare to the previous generation, LTO-9, in terms of capacity?
A3: LTO-10 offers a substantial 1.67 times increase in storage capacity compared to LTO-9, which had an uncompressed capacity of 18 TB.
Q4: What new technology enables the increased storage capacity in LTO-10?
A4: LTO-10 achieves its increased capacity through the use of Fujifilm’s proprietary “fine hybrid magnetic particles,” which combine nanoparticle design technologies from Strontium Ferrite (SrFe) and Barium Ferrite (BaFe) particles.
Q5: Is tape storage, like LTO-10, cheaper than hard disk drives (HDDs) for long-term data storage?
A5: Yes, tape storage generally offers lower initial implementation costs compared to HDDs, making it a more cost-effective solution for storing large amounts of data, especially for volumes of 10 PB or more.
Q6: What is “air gap” data protection, and how does LTO-10 provide it?
A6: “Air gap” data protection means that the data is physically isolated from the network. LTO-10 provides this by storing data on magnetic tapes that can be physically disconnected from online systems, minimizing the risk of data loss or damage from cyberattacks, viruses, or system failures.
Q7: What are the main benefits of using LTO-10 for data storage?
A7: The main benefits of LTO-10 include a large storage capacity (75 TB compressed), cost-effectiveness for large data volumes, secure “air gap” data protection against cyber threats, and reliable long-term data retention.
Q8: When was the FUJIFILM LTO Ultrium 10 Data Cartridge released?
A8: The FUJIFILM LTO Ultrium 10 Data Cartridge was released on June 13, 2025.
Q9: Who manufactures the LTO Ultrium standard?
A9: Linear Tape-Open, LTO, the LTO logo, Ultrium, and the Ultrium logo are registered trademarks of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, and Quantum in the United States and other countries.
Q10: What types of organizations would benefit from using LTO-10?
A10: Organizations across various sectors, including BFSI, healthcare, government, and research, can benefit from LTO-10 for secure, offline, and cost-effective data storage, especially those with regulatory compliance needs and business continuity requirements.
