Overland-Tandberg NEOs StorageLoader Tape Autoloader

The NEOs StorageLoader from Overland-Tandberg is purpose-built for small office environments that demand reliable, scalable, and affordable backup and archive capabilities without the overhead of enterprise-sized storage solutions. This compact 1U tape autoloader delivers a compelling blend of simplicity and dependability, enabling organizations to protect critical data with robust retention policies while keeping upfront costs and rack footprint in check. With capacity to hold up to 240TB, StorageLoader is designed to streamline data protection workflows, reduce restore times, and simplify long-term retention—so you can focus on your business instead of managing complex storage infrastructure. Built for easy integration into existing backup ecosystems, the StorageLoader supports automated media management, straightforward media labeling, and seamless interaction with familiar backup software, making it ideal for small offices, remote sites, and branch offices that still require enterprise-grade data protection. Whether you’re safeguarding financial records, customer databases, or large volumes of project files, StorageLoader helps ensure data integrity, rapid recoveries, and a scalable path as your data grows over time.

• The StorageLoader delivers easy, affordable high-capacity backup and archive capability in a compact 1U form factor, designed to fit snugly into small data centers and office racks while delivering enterprise-grade reliability. Its automated cartridge handling reduces manual intervention, speeds up backups, and minimizes the risk of human error, so you can schedule overnight protection without disrupting daytime operations. This combination of form factor and automation creates a cost-effective, scalable solution that grows with your business.
• High-capacity, automated protection is at the core of StorageLoader. With support for up to 240TB of protected storage, organizations can consolidate archives and backups in a single, centralized library. The autoloader’s robotic media handling ensures consistent media placement, reduces tape change events, and improves overall throughput. By eliminating frequent manual tape swaps, IT staff can reallocate time to more strategic tasks while maintaining fast backup windows and reliable restores when they’re needed most.
• Designed for small offices on tight budgets, StorageLoader emphasizes simplicity without compromising reliability. It offers straightforward setup, intuitive media management, and compatibility with a broad range of backup software ecosystems. This means you can leverage your existing backup tools and processes, minimize training requirements, and achieve dependable protection with a solution that fits your budget. The unit’s robust build and proven field performance help minimize downtime and maintenance costs, delivering strong total cost of ownership for budget-conscious organizations.
• Smart media management features help you maximize media utilization and maintain data integrity. The autoloader automates cartridge handling, provides easy media labeling and inventory tracking, and supports quick media identification for faster restore operations. With reliable media lifecycle management, you can implement retention policies that meet regulatory requirements, ensure timely disposal of expired media, and maintain a clean, efficient library that supports legal compliance and audit readiness.
• Seamless integration with leading backup software and enterprise workflows ensures StorageLoader fits naturally into your existing IT environment. Whether you rely on popular backup applications or custom scripts, this autoloader is designed to work within established data protection frameworks. Its reliability, combined with automated media management and 24/7 operation readiness, helps ensure that backups complete within windows, restores are accurate and timely, and your data remains protected under a trusted archiving strategy that minimizes the risk of data loss.

Technical Details of Overland-Tandberg NEOs StorageLoader Tape Autoloader

• Form Factor: 1U rack-mount design that fits standard 19-inch racks, enabling efficient use of space in small offices and remote sites.
• Capacity: Up to 240TB total capacity, providing a scalable solution for growing backup and archival needs without frequent hardware refreshes.
• Media Handling: Automated cartridge-based autoloader with robotic media management for reliable, hands-off operation and consistent media handling.
• Media Type: Tape cartridges managed by the library; designed for long-term retention and cost-effective data protection.
• Automation and Reliability: Built to minimize manual intervention, reduce human error, and support reliable daily data protection with streamlined media rotation.
• Software Compatibility: Integrates with common backup software ecosystems to simplify deployment and ongoing operations, enabling users to maintain familiar workflows while benefiting from automated tape handling.

How to install Overland-Tandberg NEOs StorageLoader Tape Autoloader

Step 1: Plan and position – Select a suitable location in a cooled, well-ventilated area with adequate airflow. Ensure the 1U footprint fits within your rack space and that there is convenient access for media handling and maintenance. Verify power availability and network or management connectivity as required by your environment.

Step 2: Rack mounting – Mount the StorageLoader in the rack using the supplied rails or hardware. Secure the unit to prevent movement and ensure there is clearance for front-loading tapes and label reading if applicable. Grounding and proper cable management help prevent electrical interference and keep the installation tidy.

Step 3: Power and cabling – Connect the device to a stable power source and attach any required data connections per your environment's configuration. Per your IT policy, connect the library to your host server via the supported interface, such as SAS or other compatible connections, and connect management interfaces for remote monitoring if available.

Step 4: Initialize and configure – Power on the device and perform the initial library check using the provided management interface or console. Configure robot settings, media pools, and retention policies according to your backup strategy. Create a baseline inventory of the installed tapes and assign barcodes or labels as your workflow requires. Ensure the library reports healthy status and that drives and slots are recognized by the host system.

Step 5: Integrate with backup software – Install or verify the backup software that will manage the library. Create media pools, define backup jobs, and set retention and archival rules. Run a test backup and a test restore to confirm that data can be written to and retrieved from the library, and verify that the media is properly cataloged and easily locatable by the software.

Step 6: Operational housekeeping – Establish a routine for media handling, labeling, and rotation. Monitor library health, slot availability, and media age to prevent unexpected media failures. Schedule regular firmware updates and maintenance windows as recommended by Overland-Tandberg to ensure long-term reliability and compatibility with evolving software environments.

Step 7: Security and compliance – Implement access controls for the library and the backups. Ensure retention policies align with regulatory requirements and that media is stored securely according to your organization’s data protection standards. Maintain an auditable chain of custody for media to support compliance initiatives.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum capacity of the StorageLoader Autoloader? A: It supports up to 240TB of total capacity, making it suitable for compact data centers and small offices that require scalable backup and archive capabilities without sacrificing space or budget.
• Q: What kind of environments is StorageLoader best suited for? A: It is designed for small offices, remote sites, and branch offices that need reliable, automated tape-based backup and long-term archiving within a 1U footprint and affordable total cost of ownership.
• Q: Does StorageLoader work with existing backup software? A: Yes. The autoloader is designed to integrate with major backup software ecosystems, enabling you to leverage your current data protection workflows and minimize retraining while gaining automated tape management.
• Q: How is media managed in StorageLoader? A: The system automates cartridge handling with a robotic picker, provides inventory tracking, and supports straightforward media labeling to streamline backups and restores and ensure proper media lifecycle management.
• Q: What maintenance is required? A: Regular firmware updates, routine media rotation practices, and periodic health checks as part of your standard data protection procedures help maximize reliability and extend the life of both the autoloader and its tapes.
• Q: Can StorageLoader support rapid restores? A: Yes. The automated cartridge handling and organized media management enable faster locate-and-restore workflows, reducing downtime and improving data availability when you need it most.
• Q: Is StorageLoader suitable for regulatory compliance? A: Its structured media lifecycle management, audit-friendly labeling, and retention policy support help organizations meet retention requirements and maintain an auditable data protection program.