Fujifilm launches LTO Ultrium 10 40TB data cartridge

Fujifilm has announced the launch of the LTO Ultrium 10 40TB data cartridge, expanding its magnetic tape portfolio to support secure, large-scale data storage. The cartridge will be available for shipment starting January 2026 and is designed to address growing enterprise requirements for long-term data protection and cost-efficient archiving.

The new cartridge offers a maximum recording capacity of 100TB, with 40TB for uncompressed data, enabling organisations to manage rising data volumes while maintaining physical data isolation to reduce cyber risk.

Advancing tape density and compatibility

The LTO Ultrium 10 40TB cartridge builds on the earlier LTO-10 30TB version launched in June 2025. The updated model uses Fujifilm’s proprietary fine hybrid magnetic particles to increase areal recording density. In addition, a newly developed thin-layer structure based on aramid film reduces tape thickness, allowing a longer tape length within the same cartridge footprint.

Despite the higher capacity, the cartridge remains compatible with existing LTO-10 drive hardware used for the 30TB version, enabling upgrades without changes to the drive infrastructure.

Focus on secure and resilient storage

The launch comes amid growing concerns around ransomware and cyberattacks targeting enterprise data. Magnetic tape continues to be widely used for backup and archival purposes due to its stable read and write performance and its ability to remain physically disconnected from networks. This air-gapped characteristic significantly reduces exposure to cyber incidents.

According to Koji Wada, Managing Director, Fujifilm India, the introduction of the higher-capacity cartridge aligns with the need for secure and scalable storage as India moves towards a data-driven and AI-focused economy.

J Solomon Sukumar, Associate Director, Recording Media and Industrial Products, Fujifilm India, said the cartridge is positioned to support enterprises, data centres, and public institutions as they manage data growth while strengthening disaster recovery and compliance frameworks.

Expanded operating conditions

Compared to earlier models, the LTO Ultrium 10 40TB cartridge supports a wider operating environment. The recommended operating temperature range has been extended to 15°C–35°C, while humidity tolerance now supports up to 80 percent under controlled temperature conditions. These enhancements are intended to ensure stable performance in high-temperature and high-humidity environments.

Role in long-term data management

Magnetic tape shipments used primarily for backup and archiving have grown steadily since 2020 and are expected to continue rising, driven by demand for AI-ready archival storage. Tape remains a preferred medium for storing large datasets over long periods due to its lower acquisition cost compared to hard disk drives and its suitability for secure, offline storage.

Kenichi Otaki, head of data storage solutions at Fujifilm Corporation, said the company will continue to develop high-capacity and high-quality storage media to meet evolving customer requirements.

With the launch of the LTO Ultrium 10 40TB data cartridge, Fujifilm reinforces the role of magnetic tape as a core component of modern enterprise data protection and archival strategies.