In the fast-paced world of scientific research, data access speed and reliability are crucial to accelerating discoveries and advancing critical projects. One prominent U.S. national research laboratory recently undertook a major data management transformation to meet its evolving demands for efficient data retrieval, storage, and sustainability.
The Challenge: Faster Retrieval for Massive Data Volumes
This national research institution, known for breakthroughs in areas like energy, climate science, and national security, had relied on a tape-based data archival system for long-term storage. However, the lab’s expanding data volumes and increased demand for quicker access led to retrieval delays, affecting the pace of its research initiatives. Approximately 70% of the archival data retrievals required access times that outpaced the capabilities of the existing system, calling for a more responsive solution that could support the lab’s complex, data-intensive needs.
The Solution: Implementing a High-Performance Warm Archive
To meet these needs, our organization partnered with the laboratory to deploy a high-performance “warm archive” solution—designed to bridge the gap between quick data access and reliable, long-term storage. Built on IBM technology, this solution integrated advanced IBM servers, Elastic Storage System (ESS), Spectrum Archive, and TS1170 tape drives, creating a robust storage infrastructure capable of both speed and scalability.
After a successful three-year pilot phase demonstrating the solution’s efficacy, a contract was awarded to expand the implementation to 250 petabytes (PB) of usable disk storage and 400 PB of usable tape storage. This large-scale deployment showcased our team’s expertise in handling complex logistics and provided the laboratory with a tailored solution to enhance data accessibility and sustainability.
Key Milestones in Implementation
The deployment process involved intricate logistics and detailed planning. With over 8,000 disks, 8,000 tape cartridges, and nine substantial tape library frames, the project demanded seamless collaboration between our team and the laboratory’s staff. Technical experts provided essential on-site support, ensuring smooth integration and installation. This close partnership reinforced trust and showcased the potential for future innovations in data management across similar institutions.
Realizing the Impact
With the warm archive solution in place, the laboratory saw transformative improvements in data retrieval speeds. Transitioning from a cold archive to a warm-tier system empowered the lab to access critical data more rapidly, directly supporting its mission to drive forward vital research initiatives. This enhanced speed and reliability have already improved research productivity, allowing scientists to access and analyze essential datasets with far greater efficiency.
Additionally, the system’s high-density configuration, storing 50 terabytes per tape cartridge and 250 PB within just 10 ESS frames, provides unparalleled storage flexibility. With the energy-efficient TS1170 tape technology at its core, the new solution not only meets the lab’s current demands but also aligns with its commitment to sustainability by reducing operational energy consumption.
Setting a New Standard for Data-Driven Research
This project has become a benchmark in data management for the national research community, underscoring the scalability and adaptability of our approach. As a result, our organization has established a reputation as a trusted partner in deploying high-value solutions for research environments, paving the way for further impactful collaborations with other institutions facing similar data storage and retrieval challenges.
In an era where timely data access fuels scientific breakthroughs, this high-performance warm archive solution has positioned the laboratory at the forefront of data-driven research, ensuring that researchers can continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge for years to come.