Storage auto loader HPE MSL 1/8 Tape Autoloader 1x LTO-8 SAS Drive 240TB

The HPE MSL 1/8 Tape Autoloader is an entry-level tape automation system designed for long-term data retention and air-gapped protection against ransomware. This model ships with one LTO-8 SAS drive and five 30 TB cartridges (240 TB compressed capacity) and supports LTO-9, LTO-8, or LTO-7 Ultrium drives for flexible capacity and performance options. Remote management is available through HPE Command View for Tape Libraries (CVTL), and media handling is simplified by an integrated barcode reader, configurable mail slot, and removable magazines. Optional encryption protects data on tape if a cartridge is lost or stolen.

Advantages

The autoloader offers scalable, cost-effective offline storage with air-gap protection, tool-free drive upgrades for increasing capacity or performance, and compatibility with enterprise MSL systems for later migration. Remote administration via CVTL reduces the need for on-site IT intervention, while an integrated barcode reader and removable magazines streamline media management. Optional data encryption provides an added layer of security for sensitive backups.

Suitable for

• Small and medium-sized businesses needing long-term, offline backups
• Environments requiring ransomware protection through air-gapped media
• Organizations that plan to scale from entry-level to larger MSL libraries
• Use cases where remote tape library management is preferred

Key specifications

• Model: HPE MSL 1/8 Tape Autoloader (MPN P77035-B25, EAN 0190017771816)
• Drive: 1× LTO-8 Ultrium SAS drive (compatible with LTO-7, LTO-8, LTO-9 drives)
• Cartridges included: five 30 TB cartridges (compressed capacity 240 TB at 2.5:1)
• Interface: SAS (also available in FC options for certain SKUs)
• Transfer rate: up to 300 MB/s (compressed, model-dependent)
• Slots (max): 8
• Colour: Black
• Management: HPE Command View for Tape Libraries (CVTL); supports Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

How to use

Install the autoloader in a suitable IT rack or on a stable surface, connect power and the SAS or FC host interface, and install the provided LTO cartridges into the removable magazine. Use HPE CVTL for initial configuration, inventorying media via the integrated barcode reader, and scheduling backup or archive jobs. For capacity or performance upgrades, perform a tool-free drive replacement or move drive kits to compatible MSL models such as MSL3040 or MSL6480 following HPE instructions.

Recommendations

Store cartridges in the included removable magazines when not in use, enable optional tape encryption for sensitive data, and use CVTL remote management and MFA to reduce on-site administration while maintaining secure access controls.