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IBM Spectrum Archive

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Company health

Employee growth
6% increase in the last year
Web traffic
11% decrease in the last quarter

Ratings

G2
4.2/5
(11)

IBM Spectrum Archive description

IBM Spectrum Archive is a software solution that simplifies how businesses manage and access their archived data stored on tape drives. It provides a user-friendly, visual interface that works like your computer's file explorer, eliminating the need for complicated backup software. This allows you to easily organize, find, and retrieve files stored on tapes as if they were on your computer. IBM Spectrum Archive offers different versions for single drives, tape libraries, and larger enterprises, making it suitable for various needs and budgets. Its focus is on making data archiving more efficient and cost-effective, especially for information that isn't needed daily but must be kept safe and accessible long-term.


Who is IBM Spectrum Archive best for

IBM Spectrum Archive is ideal for medium to large enterprises seeking affordable ways to store substantial data, especially information accessed infrequently but essential for compliance. We find that its strength lies in simplifying tape-based archiving, making it feel more like using a regular file system. Given the capabilities, it is best suited for companies with 101-1000+ employees.

  • Perfect for mid-sized to large businesses needing cost-effective long-term data storage and compliance.

  • Useful across many industries, especially those with strict data retention needs like finance or healthcare.


IBM Spectrum Archive features

Supported

Graphical User Interface (GUI) for LTFS Tape Management: Provides a graphical interface to manage data in tape drives and libraries using the Linear Tape File System (LTFS) format standard for reading, writing and exchanging descriptive metadata on formatted tape cartridges.

Supported

Integration with IBM Storage Scale: Integrates with IBM Storage Scale and Storage Scale System for scalable, enterprise-class management, faster I/O, and enhanced transactional performance.

Supported

Tiering storage for data lakes: Creates operational storage tiers to reduce storage expense for data that does not need the access performance of primary storage.

Supported

Policy-based migration: Expands archive capacity without impacting data availability.

Supported

Flexible data sharing: Allows access to file data from any operating system, enabling easy data sharing across platforms.

Supported

Icon-based view of tape data: Reduces complexity with an icon-based view of the data on tape, using the operating system file manager.

Supported

LTFS Format for Interoperability: Uses Linear Tape File System (LTFS) format, an open standard that enables interoperability for reading, writing and exchanging descriptive metadata on formatted tape cartridges.


IBM Spectrum Archive alternatives

  • Logo of Ideagen Quality Management
    Ideagen Quality Management
    Streamlines quality, compliance, and document management.
    Read more
  • Logo of StarWind Virtual Tape Library
    StarWind Virtual Tape Library
    Replaces physical tape backups with virtual ones, simplifying and securing archives.
    Read more
  • Logo of Ideagen EHS
    Ideagen EHS
    Streamlines safety, risk, and compliance management.
    Read more
  • Logo of Ideagen Disclose
    Ideagen Disclose
    Automated disclosure checklist software ensuring accurate financial reports.
    Read more
  • Logo of Ideagen PleaseReview
    Ideagen PleaseReview
    Effortless proposal collaboration with version control and audit trails.
    Read more
  • Logo of Ideagen Risk Management
    Ideagen Risk Management
    Control risks, automate compliance, and simplify reporting.
    Read more

IBM Spectrum Archive FAQ

  • What is IBM Spectrum Archive and what does IBM Spectrum Archive do?

    IBM Spectrum Archive simplifies data archiving by making tape storage accessible through a familiar file explorer interface. It's ideal for storing infrequently accessed data cost-effectively, eliminating the need for complex backup software. We find it's a great solution for organizations needing long-term data retention.

  • How does IBM Spectrum Archive integrate with other tools?

    IBM Spectrum Archive integrates with IBM Storage Scale and Storage Scale System, enhancing performance and scalability. It also leverages the LTFS format, ensuring broad compatibility and easy data sharing across different operating systems.

  • What the main competitors of IBM Spectrum Archive?

    We find that IBM Spectrum Archive competes with alternatives like StarWind Virtual Tape Library for virtual tape backup, and various Ideagen solutions like Quality Management, EHS, and Risk Management, which offer data management for compliance and other business needs.

  • Is IBM Spectrum Archive legit?

    Yes, IBM Spectrum Archive is a legitimate product from IBM. It's a well-established solution for archiving data on tape, offering a user-friendly way to manage and access information. We find it's a reliable choice for businesses needing secure, long-term storage.

  • How much does IBM Spectrum Archive cost?

    I'm sorry, but pricing information for IBM Spectrum Archive is not available at this time. Contact IBM directly for pricing details.

  • Is IBM Spectrum Archive customer service good?

    We find that customer support for IBM Spectrum Archive is generally considered good, with some users describing it as "awesome." However, one review mentioned slow customer support, so your experience may vary.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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