Symply SymplyPRO 1RU Ethernet LTO-9 Rackmount Tape Drive

The SymplyPRO 1RU Ethernet is a 1U rackmount LTO-9 tape backup appliance that connects directly to your 10Gb Ethernet network, removing the need for a dedicated backup server. It integrates a single half-height LTO-9 drive in a metal alloy chassis with dual hot-swap drive bays, allowing a second LTO drive to be added internally when needed. Designed for professional backup and archiving workflows, it combines dual 10GbE iSCSI connectivity with SAS expansion to support additional tape drives or tape libraries. This system suits media, enterprise, research, and other data-intensive environments that require secure, high-capacity, long-term storage.

With a native LTO-9 capacity of 18TB (45TB compressed) and up to 300 MB/s native drive throughput, the appliance delivers fast, tape-based backup and archive operations over the network. A built-in ARM processor and data acceleration are used to push up to 2000 MB/s aggregate throughput to shared clients without loading host CPU resources. Symply CableLess technology allows the internal LTO-9 drive module to be removed or upgraded without tools, simplifying service and future expansion. The unit supports LTFS for drag-and-drop file access, AES 256-bit encryption and WORM media for compliance-focused workflows, and ships with media, fibre and Ethernet cabling, and macOS iSCSI initiator software.

Key Features

• 1U Rackmount LTO-9 Appliance: Compact 1RU metal alloy chassis with one half-height LTO-9 tape drive installed and dual hot-swap drive bays for adding a second LTO drive.
• Dual 10GbE iSCSI Connectivity: Two 10Gb Ethernet SFP+ (LC) host interfaces provide high-speed, shared access to the tape drive across the network without a dedicated backup server.
• SAS Expansion for Additional Drives: 12Gb SAS (SFF-8644) expansion port supports extra external SAS LTO drives or connection to a compatible LTO tape library, enabling up to four LTO drives in a single configuration.
• LTO-9 Capacity and Performance: Uses an LTO-9 half-height drive offering 18TB native and 45TB compressed per cartridge, with up to 300 MB/s native (750 MB/s compressed) drive throughput.
• Integrated Data Acceleration: ARM processor and dedicated data paths are designed to offload tape I/O from host systems and can provide up to 2000 MB/s aggregated throughput over the dual 10GbE links.
• LTFS and Backup Software Support: Fully supports LTFS for file-based operation as well as leading backup and archive software applications.
• Security and Compliance: Supports AES 256-bit encryption and WORM media to help protect sensitive data and satisfy retention and compliance requirements.
• Serviceable CableLess Design: Symply CableLess drive module allows the LTO drive to be inserted, removed, or replaced without powering down the appliance.
• Robust Power and Cooling: Internal auto-switching power supply (110–240 V) and optimized cooling are built for continuous, professional use.
• Physical Security: Includes a Kensington T-bar anchor point for securing the appliance in studio or data center environments.

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: 1U rackmount chassis
• Rack Height: 1U, 19" rack compatible
• Drive Type: LTO-9 half-height tape drive (single installed; second drive bay available)
• Native / Compressed Capacity (per cartridge): 18TB native / 45TB compressed (LTO-9)
• Native / Compressed Drive Throughput: Up to 300 MB/s native / 750 MB/s compressed (per LTO-9 HH drive)
• Network Interfaces: 2 × 10Gb Ethernet SFP+ (LC) iSCSI host interfaces
• Expansion Interfaces: 1 × 12Gb SAS SFF-8644 expansion port for additional SAS LTO drives or LTO tape library
• Maximum LTO Drives Supported: Up to 4 LTO drives via internal second drive bay plus external SAS expansion
• Maximum Aggregate Network Throughput: Up to 2000 MB/s over dual 10GbE (aggregate read/write)
• Processor: Integrated ARM processor with data acceleration
• File System Support: Linear Tape File System (LTFS)
• Backup & Archive Software Support: Compatible with leading backup and archive software applications using LTO and LTFS
• Encryption: AES 256-bit hardware encryption support (with compatible media and software)
• WORM Support: Supports LTO WORM cartridges for write-once, read-many workflows
• Chassis Material: Advanced metal alloy enclosure with professional-grade cooling
• Product Dimensions (D × W × H): 17.1 × 19.0 × 1.7 in (43.5 × 48.2 × 4.4 cm)
• Product Weight: 13.4 lb (6.1 kg)
• Power Supply: Internal 350 W auto-switching (110–240 V AC), typical operating consumption approximately 166 W
• Security: Kensington T-bar locking slot