Quantum Scalar i3

The Quantum Scalar i3 is a compact yet highly scalable tape library engineered to deliver enterprise-class data protection, cybersecurity resilience, and operational efficiency in a rackmount design. As part of Quantum’s intelligent Scalar portfolio, the Scalar i3 is purpose-built for organizations that require secure backup, archive, and ransomware protection within a flexible and cost-effective storage architecture.

Flexible Scalability with Capacity-on-Demand

The Scalar i3 is designed to grow seamlessly alongside evolving data requirements. It supports a modular architecture starting from a 3U control module and scaling up to 48U with expansion modules. The system accommodates 25 to 800 cartridge slots, expandable in 25-slot Capacity-on-Demand (CoD) increments, allowing organizations to activate only the storage capacity they need.
Supporting 1 to 24 half-height LTO tape drives (LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9) with Fibre Channel or SAS connectivity, the Scalar i3 delivers reliable performance while optimizing rack space. Configurable import/export (I/E) slots per module simplify bulk media handling and operational workflows.

Advanced Security and Ransomware Protection

Security is at the core of the Scalar i3 design. The library integrates multiple layers of protection to safeguard valuable data assets:
• Active Vault: Creates an in-library, logically isolated partition without host or drive access, providing a secure air gap against cyber threats.
• Logical Tape Blocking: Prevents unauthorized media removal by blocking cartridge movement from magazine slots.
• Ransom Block: Physically restricts magazine removal while maintaining media inventory visibility, offering an enhanced air gap mechanism.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) with Administrator, User, and Service roles.
• LDAP integration and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for secure centralized authentication.
• Library-managed encryption support with LTO drives and integration with external key management solutions.

Together, these capabilities enable organizations to implement robust ransomware recovery strategies and maintain regulatory compliance.

Intelligent Management with iLayer

The Scalar i3 features Quantum’s iLayer Intelligent Management Software, delivering a consistent web-based GUI and local interface. iLayer provides proactive monitoring, automated diagnostics, RAS ticketing, and detailed reporting for drive utilization, media integrity, and system health.
With support for RESTful Web Services APIs, administrators can automate configuration tasks, reporting, and operational processes. Partitioning (up to 24 partitions) allows logical separation of resources for multi-tenant or multi-application environments, improving efficiency and resource utilization.

High Availability and Reliability

Designed for enterprise reliability, the Scalar i3 supports 2N redundant power supplies and proactive system monitoring. Policy-based management enables automated media health checks and event notifications, helping identify potential issues before they impact operations.
The modular rackmount design simplifies installation and serviceability, while hot-swappable components minimize downtime. Control path failover enhances resilience in SAN environments, ensuring continuous library accessibility.

Optimized for Modern Data Protection

The Scalar i3 is ideal for backup, archive, disaster recovery, and long-term data retention strategies. Its support for Extended Data Life Management (EDLM) scanning drives enables proactive media integrity verification, ensuring data remains recoverable over time.
By combining scalable architecture, intelligent automation, and differentiated cyber-resilience features, the Quantum Scalar i3 delivers a secure, space-efficient, and cost-effective solution for organizations seeking dependable tape-based storage infrastructure.