DLT CompacTape III Data Cartridge 20GB/40GB Compression

DLT CompacTape III Data Cartridge 20GB/40GB Compression

The DLT CompacTape III is a high-capacity data storage cartridge designed for reliable backup and archival of large data sets. As part of Quantum's DLT (Digital Linear Tape) family, the CompacTape III cartridge provides substantial storage density and fast data transfer rates, making it a cost-effective solution for enterprise and mid-range backup systems that require dependable long-term data retention.

Specifications & What's Included

• Brand: Quantum
• Model: CompacTape III
• Format: DLT (Digital Linear Tape)
• Native Capacity: 20GB
• Compressed Capacity: 40GB (at 2:1 compression ratio)
• Data Transfer Rate: 10 MB/s (native)
• Tape Width: 1/2 inch (12.65 mm)
• Dimensions: Standard cartridge form factor
• Shelf Life: Estimated 20+ years (when stored properly)
• Compatible Drives: Quantum DLT CompacTape and later generation DLT drives

Applications

DLT CompacTape III cartridges were widely used throughout the 1990s and 2000s for enterprise backup and archival applications in corporate data centers, IT departments, and institutions requiring high-capacity tape storage. These cartridges are particularly suited for full system backups, off-site archive, and disaster recovery scenarios where large amounts of data need to be safely stored and retrieved. The DLT format became an industry standard for mid-to-large-scale backup environments, offering a balance between capacity, speed, and reliability. While newer tape technologies have emerged, CompacTape III cartridges remain functional for legacy system maintenance and data retrieval from existing archives. Organizations still maintaining DLT-based backup systems, as well as those performing data archaeology or recovering archived data from older backup sets, continue to use these cartridges.