Overland-Tandberg to stop LTO and Focus on RDX instead

Overland-Tandberg, a prominent name in data storage solutions, is reportedly discontinuing its LTO (Linear Tape-Open) product line—including single drives, autoloaders, libraries, and media—to concentrate on its proprietary RDX (Removable Disk) technology.

Background

In 2011, Tandberg Data acquired RDX technology from ProStor Systems, enhancing its data protection solutions. The subsequent merger with Overland Storage in 2014 further solidified the company's position in the storage industry. Despite a strong focus on RDX, Overland-Tandberg continued to offer LTO products until now.

Current Situation- No more LTO orders taken

As of today, new orders for LTO hardware and media are not being accepted. While no official statement has been released, this development could stem from supply chain issues or strategic realignment. It's possible that LTO offerings may resume in the future, but currently, the focus appears to be shifting towards RDX technology. ( in Tapes there is nothing much left after LTO anyway, 3592 is IBMs and then there is RDX)

Implications of the Strategic Shift

Overland-Tandberg's strategic pivot from LTO to RDX technology presents both opportunities and challenges. While RDX offers enhanced ease of use, its cost—driven by reliance on SSD or HDD components—surpasses that of traditional LTO tapes and even external hard drives. This price disparity could impact the company's revenue streams. To mitigate potential declines, Overland-Tandberg might consider partnerships with major server manufacturers to position RDX as a standard feature, akin to the once-ubiquitous CD-ROM drive. Such collaborations could drive broader adoption and offset the higher costs associated with RDX technology.