Sony is now shipping LTO Ultrium 2 data storage cartridges throughout the U.S. Sony LTO Ultrium 2 media was officially qualified by the LTO Program, comprised of Certance, Hewlett-Packard and IBM.

With the addition of half-inch LTO 2 tape cartridges, Sony now has more than 20 data media formats among its diverse portfolio.

Sony achieved compliance verification to manufacture and market LTO Ultrium 2 media after completing rigorous testing by an independent lab that included a wide range of format, cartridge and media interchangeability parameters.

Sony LTO Ultrium 2 media can store up to 200 gigabytes (GB) of native data per cartridge to handle the demands of enterprise-class backups. Maximum native transfer speeds range up to 40 megabytes (MB) per second, enabling condensed data backup windows.

Sony LTO Ultrium 2 media key technologies include:

- 2:1 data compression ratio for up to 400 GB of storage capacity per tape;

- CM (cartridge memory), an embedded electronics and interface module that can store and retrieve a cartridge's historical usage and other information;

- Four data bands, with servo bands at the top of each for accurate head positioning and error reduction; and

- Direction buffer designed to minimize magnetic interference between tracks.

Sony already produces branded LTO Ultrium Generation 1 tape cartridges, which are forward read/write compatible with LTO Ultrium 2 drives for long-standing investment protection.

Sony LTO Ultrium 2 tape cartridges are now available for purchase through wholesale distributors, resellers, VARs and direct marketers nationwide. Sony LTO Ultrium 2 media carries an Ultrium certification verification mark for authenticity.