LTO - Netflix, Data Management

There are many solutions to protect your OCF(Original Camera Files,) provide off site backup and for the archival of your production footage. Netflix requires the use of LTO(Linear Tape Open) technology to protect your data. From their Partner Help Website:

MINIMUM EXPECTATIONS:

• 3:2:1 Principle

• Hold at least three copies of all original camera files (OCF) and audio.
• Store the copies on at least two different types of media.
  • Examples:
    • Capture Device (e.g., camera card or sound card)
    • RAID 5, 6, or 10 (or above) storage (RAID 0 is only acceptable for temporary transfer/shuttle drives, and not for backup purposes.)
    • LTO (6, 7 or 8 written in LTFS format)
    • Netflix’s Content Hub (pending Netflix approval)
• Keep at least one of these backups in a different geographical location from the others.

MLogic mTape drives are the ideal LTO storage solutions to meet Netflix's data management requirements. They will provide the backup and verification of your data that Netflix requires of their partners. Data loss can mean losing a significant investment both in your planning and your shooting. This is including your OCF and audio throughout your workflow. The LTO Tape drives are designed to minimize data loss and costly failures during shooting.

LTO Tapes have been used in major data centers and research institutions for years. They offer not only huge storage capacity, low cost and long term storage performance. They also create "Air-Gap" data protection, phsically isolated from the network. This minimizes the risk of data damage or loss from cyber crime.

Despite the initial investment in LTO hardware, the price of the tapes are quite cheap, in comparison to using a portable hard drive to permanently store your data. You will need to use software like "myLTO" or "PreRoll Post" from Imagine Software. This is licensed software that you have to pay a yearly subscription fee to use.