Tape Library HPE Storage MSL2024 by HP Enterprise — 1x LTO-9 Fibre Channel, 15x LTO-9 cartridges (45 TB compressed)

The HPE Storage MSL2024 Tape Library is a compact 2U tape library designed for small to mid-sized environments requiring reliable backup, recovery and long-term retention. This configuration includes one LTO-9 drive with a Fibre Channel host interface and 15 LTO-9 cartridges, providing high-capacity offline storage and robotic tape handling to protect critical data from accidental deletion, ransomware and other cyber threats. The unit supports hardware-based data encryption, broad backup application compatibility, and web-based management for straightforward deployment and operation. The latest generation adds multi-factor authentication (MFA) for secure library management and is available with LTO-8 or LTO-9 drives and FC or SAS interfaces through authorized partners.

Advantages

The MSL2024 combines automated tape handling and a compact 2U chassis to deliver cost-effective, air-gapped physical protection for long-term data retention. Its use of LTO Ultrium tape technology provides high compressed capacity and efficient sequential throughput while minimizing ongoing energy and storage costs. Hardware encryption and MFA support increase operational security, and compatibility with common backup applications simplifies integration into existing data protection workflows.

Suitable for

• On-site backup and archival for small and medium businesses
• Long-term retention and compliance storage
• Air-gapped protection strategies against ransomware and accidental deletion
• Environments requiring hardware encryption and centralized management

When it may not be suitable

The MSL2024 is optimized for tape-based workflows and sequential access patterns; it may not be suitable for workloads that require low-latency random access or frequent, high-speed transactional I/O. Organizations that need extremely high immediate restore performance or purely disk-based instant recovery may prefer disk or flash-based solutions.

Key specifications

• Form factor: 2U tape library chassis
• Included drive: 1 × LTO-9 tape drive with Fibre Channel host interface (8 Gb/s native)
• Included media: 15 × LTO-9 cartridges (compressed capacity total: 45 TB at 2.5:1)
• Native data transfer rate: up to 300 MB/s per drive (native)
• Compression ratio supported: 2.5:1
• Automated robotic tape handling with slot capacity up to 24 slots
• Security: hardware-based encryption and multi-factor authentication for management
• Management: web-based management interface

How to use

Install the MSL2024 in a standard 19-inch rack occupying 2U of space, connect the Fibre Channel host interface to your backup server or SAN, and load the supplied LTO-9 cartridges into the library slots. Use the web-based management interface to configure library settings, enable hardware encryption and set up multi-factor authentication for administrative access. Integrate the library with your backup application and create backup jobs that leverage tape for offline, long-term retention and air-gapped protection.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure your backup environment supports LTO-9 drives and Fibre Channel connectivity or choose a model with SAS if needed
• Verify required capacity and growth plans—this configuration ships with 15 cartridges (45 TB compressed)
• Confirm backup software compatibility and driver support for tape libraries and hardware encryption
• Plan physical rack space, power, and environmental requirements for a 2U tape library

Usage recommendations

Use the MSL2024 as part of a scheduled backup and retention policy that includes offline rotation of cartridges for air-gapped protection, enable hardware encryption and multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and regularly test restores to validate long-term archive integrity.