English
- Exabyte-level capacity for cold and cool data
- Cost-optimized storage for long-lived datasets
- High data durability with multi-copy and tape-based protection
- Integration with TACC’s broader storage and compute fabric through Versity ScoutAM
By combining dense tape storage, scalable object and block tiers, and policy-driven data management, TACC is positioning Ranch as an extensible platform that can evolve with future media and drive technologies without disruptive re-architecting.
Spectra TFinity Plus: Exabyte-Scale Tape Foundation
At the core of Ranch are two Spectra TFinity Plus tape libraries. The initial configuration consists of:
- Two 15-frame TFinity Plus tape libraries
- 20 LTO-9 tape drives
- Effective support for approximately one exabyte of archival capacity
Over time, the system will be upgraded to support 16 LTO-10 drives, increasing storage density and extending the platform’s life and scalability. This roadmap enables TACC to incrementally grow capacity and performance as media densities improve, while keeping the library infrastructure in place.
The TFinity Plus systems at TACC are also wrapped in custom longhorn cattle graphics and installed in a prominent location within the facility. This design choice allows TACC to use the deployment as an educational showcase for visitors and tour groups, illustrating the role of modern tape in large-scale computing environments.
TFinity Plus offers high slot density, flexible partitioning, and support for multiple tape generations, which are critical factors when evaluating long-term TCO and technology risk in exabyte-class deployments.
Versity ScoutAM and Dell Infrastructure: Policy-Driven Data Movement
On the software side, Versity Scale Out Archive Manager (ScoutAM) provides the policy engine and data orchestration capabilities required for a multi-tier, multi-petabyte environment. At TACC, Versity ScoutAM:
- Runs on 13 Dell PowerEdge R760 servers to provide a scalable and resilient control plane
- Automates data placement across:
- Five Dell ME5 storage arrays
- 16 PB of Dell ECS object storage
- The Spectra TFinity Plus tape libraries
Sandy Yang/Global Strategy Director
WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 13426366826
Email: yangyd@qianxingdata.com
Website: www.qianxingdata.com/www.storagesserver.com
Business Focus:
ICT Product Distribution/System Integration & Services/Infrastructure Solutions
With 20+ years of IT distribution experience, we partner with leading global brands to deliver reliable products and professional services.
“Using Technology to Build an Intelligent World”Your Trusted ICT Product Service Provider!