Quantum computing may seem ‘sci-fi’ but it’s coming to a data center near you, so you’d best be ready. In this BlogBytes article we will review a podcast interview with an expert from IBM who discusses the unique data storage realm for quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography and how to protect your data in this new era. Also, we will look at highlights from a blog by IDC consultants that explains what the future looks like for mass data storage and how LTO-10 tape technology is a must have for the safe keeping of information.
WHAT IS QUANTUM COMPUTING?
First, let’s review quantum computing. In the podcast interview, Shawn Brume, Tape Evangelist and Storage Strategy Expert at IBM, explains that quantum computers deal with complex mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve. Quantum computers will have more compute power and capabilities and will be more highly scalable than classical computers because of qubits. What are qubits? A quantum bit, or qubit, is the base unit of information utilized by quantum computers. Brume explains that, “classical computers are relying on zero or one states of bits, where quantum computers can also deal with the state between the zero and one.”
QUANTUM COMPUTING PARTICULARS
Even though quantum computing is in the early stages and it may be years before it comes to your doorstep, it is important to get a grasp of what is coming to better prepare. As noted at TechTarget, “quantum computers must typically be operated in more finely controlled physical conditions than classical computers.” In addition, the article explains how quantum computers will deliver dramatic new levels of compute power and scale more than classical systems by using the unique properties of qubits. And importantly, “Quantum computers deal with complex mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve,” notes Brume. Because of these advanced capabilities quantum systems could potentially be used to break through the security encryption codes protecting sensitive information on classical computing systems exposing sensitive information.
HOW TO PROTECT CURRENT DATA FROM FUTURE QUANTUM ATTACKS
Is encrypted data that’s on classical systems and stored on tape currently vulnerable? Brume explains, “The short answer is not for the foreseeable life of tape media, say 20 years. Physical tape encryption utilizes AES-256 encryption, which is mathematically secure in the threat timeline of quantum computer capability.” He notes, however, that, “Cyber-attackers can steal encrypted data today, store it and then wait for quantum computing decryption technologies to evolve: known as harvest now, decrypt later.” To ensure that future data and the processes that serve that data are protected, LTO developers are implementing post quantum cryptography (POC) certificates with LTO-10 technology because with the potential retention span of LTO tape media, it’s possible that cybercriminals might target data stored on LTO tapes in the future.
How will post quantum cryptography be utilized with LTO-10 technology? Brume explains it and much more in the full interview which can be accessed here.
Quantum systems will digest tons of data which leads us to the next topic of how to manage and protect mass data storage. Let’s go!
MASS DATA STORAGE – GIGABYTES, PETABYTES, EXABYTES OH MY!
Phil Goodwin and Johnny Yu, IDC analysts, explain in a blog post that “IT teams store and manage massive amounts of data that just keep stacking up. Petabyte-scale stores are commonplace and Exabyte-scale stores are just around the corner. AI is a major driver of data growth, while increasing compliance
regulations require companies to retain data for years or decades.” They note that “IT teams need solutions that offer simple operation and a low total cost. Adding racks of storage may yield the storage capacity needed but at the cost of complexity and busted storage budgets.” Fortunately, there is a solution: “highly efficient tape storage technology – and specifically the newest standard of the LTO (Linear Tape, Open) technology – LTO-10.”
HIGHLY EFFICIENT, PROTECTED, LOW COST – LTO-10 TECHNOLOGY
Goodwin and Yu discuss key features of LTO-10 technology: “…tape capacity of up to 40 TB native (100 TB with 2.5:1 compression) on a single media cartridge about the size of a small paperback book. LTO-10 drives can deliver read/write speeds up to 400 MB/sec (1200 MB/sec compressed) of throughput, providing faster backup and restore speeds than ever before.” The IDC analysts emphasize that “The 40 TB cartridges are made possible by a new advanced base film formulation, known as Aramid that uses a thinner, smoother tape. This thinner tape yields a longer total tape within the same cartridge that equals greater capacity.” This new 40TB cartridge is compatible with the same LTO-10 drive that organizations are using for the 30TB cartridge. The IDC experts note that, “LTO-10 and future generations will not require pre-initialization as did the older generations.”
The IDC analysts explain that, “Currently, the [LTO Technology} design roadmap goes all the way to LTO gen 14 and is projected to have a 913 TB/cartridge (compressed) capacity. Imagine nearly a PB of data stored in an area that you can hold in your hands!” They remind us that “LTO tapes can be stored with minimal environmental requirements and less physical space per TB than hard disks, with no direct power consumption. This translates to a smaller datacenter footprint and carbon footprint.”
Get more LTO-10 info here.
