The generations of IBM Ultrium data cartridges are identified by color.
WORM (Write Once, Read Many) cartridges
Certain records retention and data security applications require a Write Once, Read Many (WORM) method for storing data on tape.
A specially labeled IBM LTO Ultrium Cleaning Cartridge is used to clean the drive head.
Cartridge memory chip (LTO-CM)
All generations of the IBM LTO Ultrium Data Cartridges include a Linear Tape-Open Cartridge Memory (LTO-CM) chip.
Data cartridges can have bar code labels for identification..
The position of the write-protect switch on the tape cartridge determines whether you can write to the tape.
Incorrect handling or an incorrect environment can damage cartridges or their magnetic tape.
Repositioning or reattaching a leader pin
Procedures involved with repositioning or reattaching a leader pin in your cartridge.
Environmental and shipping specifications for tape cartridges
Specifications for tape cartridges: acclimation, environmental, storage.
Current rules about the appropriate disposal of tape cartridges.
Information about ordering several generations of media supplies for your tape drive.
Data cartridges
The generations of IBM® Ultrium data cartridges are identified by color.
Table 1. Cartridge types and colors
Type
Color
Ultrium 9
Teal
Ultrium 9 WORM Teal and Silvery gray
Ultrium 8
Burgundy
Ultrium 8 WORM Burgundy and Silvery gray
LTO M8
Purple
Ultrium 7
Purple
Ultrium 7 WORM Purple and Silvery gray
Ultrium 6
Black
Ultrium 6 WORM Black and Silvery gray
Ultrium 5
Burgundy
Ultrium 5 WORM Burgundy and Silvery gray
Ultrium 4
Green
Ultrium 4 WORM Green and Silvery gray
Ultrium 3
Slate Blue
Ultrium 3 WORM Slate Blue and Silvery gray
Ultrium 2
Purple
Ultrium 1
Black
All generations contain 1/2-inch, dual-coat, magnetic tape.
You can order tape cartridges with the bar code labels included, or you can order custom labels. To obtain tape cartridges and bar code labels, see
When tape is processed in the cartridges, Ultrium tape drives use a linear, serpentine recording format. The native data capacity and recording format of Ultrium data
cartridges is as follows:
Table 2. Cartridge data capacity and recording formats
Type
Native Data Capacity
Recording Format
Ultrium 9
18 TB (45 TB at 2.5:1 compression)
Reads and writes data on 8960 tracks, 32 tracks at a time.
Ultrium 8
12 TB (30 TB at 2.5:1 compression)
Reads and writes data on 6656 tracks, 32 tracks at a time.
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IBM TS22xx - TS2290, TS2280, and TS2270
