Tape Library HP HPE Storage MSL2024 with 1× LTO-9 SAS Drive, 15× LTO-9 45TB Compressed Cartridges, 12 Gb/s SAS

The HPE Storage MSL2024 Tape Library with a single LTO-9 SAS drive and 15 LTO-9 cartridges provides offline, high-capacity data protection suitable for small to mid-sized environments. Built on LTO Ultrium tape technology, this 2U rack-mount library supports backup, recovery, and long-term retention while helping protect critical data from ransomware, cyber threats, and accidental deletion. The unit includes hardware-based encryption, automated tape handling, web-based management, and multi-factor authentication support for secure library administration. Available with FC or 12 Gb/s SAS host interfaces, the system is designed for straightforward deployment and integration with leading backup applications.

Advantages

The MSL2024 offers reliable, cost-effective offline storage with a compact 2U footprint and automated tape handling to reduce operational overhead. LTO-9 technology delivers high compressed capacity and sustained transfer rates, while hardware encryption and multi-factor authentication provide layered protection for management and stored data. Broad compatibility with backup software and optional FC or SAS connectivity simplify integration into existing infrastructures.

Suitable for

• Small and medium-sized businesses requiring secure, long-term data retention
• Organizations implementing air-gapped backups to protect against ransomware
• Environments needing offline/nearline archival for compliance or regulatory purposes
• IT teams seeking a compact, rack-mounted tape library for backup and recovery

When it may not be suitable

This tape library is focused on offline and nearline storage workflows and may not be the best choice where purely high-performance, low-latency random access storage is required, such as for primary databases or real-time analytics. Organizations that require cloud-native, continuous-access object storage rather than physical tape archives should evaluate alternative solutions.

Key specifications

• Form factor: 2U rack-mount tape library
• Drive type: LTO-9 Ultrium tape drive (SAS interface)
• Host interface: Serial Attached SCSI (12 Gb/s); FC models also available
• Included cartridges: 15 × LTO-9 (compressed capacity total 45 TB at 2.5:1)
• Compression ratio: up to 2.5:1 (used for advertised compressed capacity)
• Native transfer rate: up to 300 MB/s (drive dependent)
• Slots (maximum): 24
• Security: hardware-based data encryption and multi-factor authentication support

How to use

Install the MSL2024 in a standard 19-inch rack using the 2U chassis mounting hardware. Connect the library to your backup server or host using the supported SAS (12 Gb/s) or Fibre Channel interface, configure the device in your backup application, and load cartridges into the slots. Use the web-based management interface to set access controls, enable encryption, and configure robotic tape handling policies. Regularly verify backups and rotate cartridges offsite as part of a retention and disaster-recovery plan.

What to consider before purchase

• Verify host connectivity requirements (12 Gb/s SAS or Fibre Channel) and compatibility with your backup software
• Plan cartridge capacity and slot requirements based on retention policies and future growth
• Confirm physical rack space and power availability for a 2U device
• Decide whether hardware encryption and multi-factor authentication are required for your security policy

Usage recommendations

Use the MSL2024 as part of a layered backup strategy: maintain regular onsite backups for quick restores and rotate encrypted cartridges to a secure offsite location to ensure air-gapped protection against ransomware and site-level failures.