Tape cartridge IBM LTO Ultrium WORM 9 for TS4500 — 18 TB native, 45 TB compressed

IBM LTO Ultrium WORM 9 cartridge for TS4500 is a write-once, read-many magnetic tape media with 18 TB native capacity and up to 45 TB compressed capacity (when used with supported compression). Engineered for long-term retention and secure archival workflows, this LTO-9 WORM cartridge is compatible with LTO-9 drives and designed for offline, immutable stores where regulatory compliance, tamper resistance and data integrity are required. The cartridge format supports standard LTO automation systems such as the IBM TS4500 library and provides a durable physical medium for backup, archive and cold data storage.

Advantages

The WORM (write-once, read-many) functionality ensures data cannot be altered once written, helping meet retention and audit requirements. Large native capacity reduces the number of cartridges needed for large datasets and lowers media handling overhead. Tape storage provides long shelf life and low power consumption compared with always-on disk storage, enabling cost-effective offline archival. Compatibility with LTO-9 drives and tape libraries allows integration into existing tape-based backup and archiving workflows while ensuring reliable read/write performance.

Suitable for

• Regulated data retention and compliance archives
• Long-term cold storage and offline backup retention
• Secure immutable records and legal hold storage
• High-capacity archival of large datasets and media files

Key specifications

• Format: LTO Ultrium 9, WORM (write-once, read-many)
• Native capacity: 18 TB
• Compressed capacity (typical): up to 45 TB (with supported compression)
• Media type: magnetic tape cartridge for LTO-9 drives
• Intended use: archival, backup, long-term retention, compliance
• Compatibility: LTO-9 drives and compatible automated tape libraries

How to use

Load the LTO Ultrium WORM 9 cartridge into a compatible LTO-9 drive or automated tape library such as IBM TS4500 following the library manufacturer’s loading and handling procedures. Use backup or archiving software that supports WORM media and LTO-9 to write data; once data is written and the volume is set to WORM, the media will prevent overwrites or modifications. Verify write operations and catalog entries in your backup application, and store cartridges in a controlled environment to preserve media lifespan and data integrity.

Usage recommendations

Store cartridges in a cool, dry place away from magnetic fields and direct sunlight, and follow your organization’s retention policies and WORM-specific procedures. Maintain an inventory and labeling system to track retention periods and ensure proper rotation for long-term archives. Test restores periodically to confirm readability and maintain documentation for compliance audits.