Using Veeam to deliver taped data to customer

[bdoe]

We deal with significant data sizes and have been asked to use LTO-6 tapes as a way to safely and securely deliver results. This seems pretty simple to me - setup a file copy job, enable encryption, and let the tapes work. However, what if the other end does not use Veeam? Can any other product that can handle the Microsoft tape format read them, or would they specifically require Veeam? If they need Veeam, is there any chance the free edition can do it, or would they require a paid edition?

[veremin]

Can any other product that can handle the Microsoft tape format read them, or would they specifically require Veeam?

Veeam would be needed, as even applications using more or less similar format don't typically work well with cartridges written by each other.

If they need Veeam, is there any chance the free edition can do it, or would they require a paid edition?

Free edition would be enough.

Thanks.

[bdoe]

I wasn't aware of potential issues between products with MTF, but if the free edition can handle the encrypted tapes, that should be good enough. Thanks!

[veremin]

Yep, due to the fact MFT specification can be implemented in different ways, typically mediums written by one software cannot be read by the other one. So, VB&R Free Edition seems to be the way to go.

Should other help be needed, feel free to reach us.

Thanks.

[bdoe]

Using the free option should be doable for them, that's great to hear. When we deliver data to them, what would the process on their end be? We would need to deliver the encryption key as well, but do they then run a catalog and/or inventory of the tapes, or how do they get the data?

[veremin]

Yep, inventory and catalogue operations would be needed. After that, they would need to decrypt a medium, using the key provided by you. Once the tape is decrypted, the restoration procedure can be started. Thanks.