HPE StoreEver MSL LTO-7 Ultrium 15000 FC Drive Upgrade Kit

Overview

The HPE N7P36A is a drive upgrade kit designed to enhance StoreEver MSL tape libraries by adding an LTO-7 Ultrium 15000 Fibre Channel drive. This upgrade allows organizations to expand their backup capacity and speed up data transfer without replacing the entire tape library or requiring additional staff training. With a native cartridge capacity of 6 TB and a compressed capacity of up to 15 TB, it helps reduce tape management complexity and frees up physical storage space. The drive supports a sustained data transfer rate of up to 300 MBps, enabling faster backup completion and minimizing downtime for production systems.

Key features

• 8 Gb Fibre Channel interface integrates seamlessly with existing Fibre Channel storage networks for straightforward installation and management.
• Compatibility with LTO-7 and LTO-6 cartridges for writing, and LTO-5 cartridges for reading, allowing gradual media migration without disrupting current workflows.
• Built-in AES 256-bit hardware encryption secures sensitive data without impacting backup server performance.
• Write-once-read-many (WORM) functionality supports compliance by providing tamper-evident, non-rewritable storage.
• 1024 MB buffer helps maintain consistent data throughput and reliable performance during backups.
• Fits into a standard 5.25-inch half-height drive bay, enabling easy on-site upgrades during scheduled maintenance windows.
• Operates reliably within a temperature range of 10 °C to 40 °C, suitable for most data center environments.

Key specs

• Native storage capacity: 6 TB per cartridge
• Compressed storage capacity: up to 15 TB per cartridge
• Data transfer rate: up to 300 MBps
• Interface: 8 Gb Fibre Channel
• Media compatibility: writes LTO-6 and LTO-7 cartridges, reads LTO-5 cartridges
• Encryption: AES 256-bit hardware encryption
• Buffer size: 1024 MB
• Drive bay size: standard 5.25-inch half-height
• Operating temperature: 10 °C to 40 °C
• Weight: 3.07 kg

Connectivity and compatibility

This upgrade kit is designed to fit into existing StoreEver MSL tape libraries that support Fibre Channel connections. The 8 Gb Fibre Channel interface ensures compatibility with Fibre Channel storage area networks (SANs), allowing seamless integration into enterprise backup infrastructures. Its backward compatibility with LTO-5 and LTO-6 media means organizations can continue using their current tape inventory while transitioning to higher-capacity LTO-7 cartridges.

Ideal uses and environments

The HPE N7P36A upgrade kit is well suited for organizations managing large volumes of data that require secure, long-term storage. It fits well in environments such as media production studios archiving high-resolution video, research facilities preserving experimental data, and financial institutions adhering to strict data retention policies. Its robust encryption and WORM features make it a strong choice for compliance-driven workflows, while the high transfer speeds help reduce backup windows in busy data centers.