Scalar i3 Doubles Storage Capacity and Unlocks Ethernet-Tape Connectivity with New iSCSI Bridge

In a major update for enterprise storage, Scalar i3 doubles storage capacity and now supports Ethernet-tape connectivity through the new iSCSI Bridge, a shift that makes the tape library significantly more flexible, dense, and cost-effective for mid-sized data centers.

What’s New: Bigger Capacity, Greater Flexibility

The upgraded Scalar i3 scales up to 800 usable slots in a 48U rack chassis and can offer up to 36 petabytes (native) when populated with LTO-9 cartridges, according to its latest configuration.

This represents a substantial leap in storage density and capacity, delivering a high-density tape library solution that occupies minimal rack space making it ideal for organizations balancing data growth with limited floor space or budget constraints.

Ethernet Over Tape: iSCSI Bridge Broadens Deployment Options

A standout feature of this update is the introduction of the Scalar iSCSI Bridge, developed in partnership with ATTO Technology. The Bridge enables traditional SAS tape drives to connect over standard Ethernet using the iSCSI protocol eliminating the need for Fibre Channel infrastructure.

This change removes previous distance and cabling limitations tied to SAS or Fibre-Channel drives, reduces hardware and maintenance costs, and significantly lowers total cost of ownership per drive reportedly by up to 15%.

Because the iSCSI Bridge is integrated directly into the Scalar i3 chassis, setup and deployment remain straightforward while preserving a compact, efficient footprint.

Why This Update Matters For Data Centers, Archives, and AI Workloads

• Scalable archiving with minimal footprint: The expanded 36 PB capacity per 48U rack allows organizations to archive vast amounts of data without expanding rack space.
• Cost-effective and flexible connectivity: With Ethernet-based tape connectivity, companies can leverage existing network infrastructure instead of investing in expensive Fibre-Channel hardware.
• Storage efficiency and density: The high slot count and LTO-9 cartridge support make Scalar i3 a competitive choice for long-term data retention, backup, and cold storage — especially relevant for compliance, media, research, or AI workloads generating large volumes of unstructured data.
• Lower power & maintenance overhead: Using Ethernet and standard components helps reduce power consumption, cooling needs, and maintenance costs versus traditional tape-library setups.

What Quantum and Its Partners Say

According to Quantum’s Chief Product Officer, this update positions Scalar i3 as “the best combination of scalability, density, flexibility, and cyber protection” in its class especially as some competing tape libraries approach end-of-life.

Meanwhile, ATTO Technology’s leadership emphasized their role in extending tape library value to Ethernet-based infrastructures, making tape storage more broadly accessible and cost-efficient.

Conclusion

With the Scalar i3’s storage capacity now doubled and Ethernet-tape connectivity via iSCSI, Quantum has significantly raised the bar for tape-library solutions. For organizations needing large-scale, secure, and cost-conscious long-term storage, especially those managing AI data lakes, archival workloads, or compliance archives, this enhanced Scalar i3 offers a compelling mix of density, flexibility, and affordability.

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