Magnetic tape remains commercially useful because organizations can store enormous quantities of information without keeping the medium continuously connected to computer networks. Data centers, financial institutions and research organizations use it to preserve backups, particularly when information must remain available for years rather than immediate retrieval.
The technology dates back decades, with Fujifilm beginning development in 1954 for television broadcasting equipment before expanding into audio and video recording applications. A 2026 IDC survey found that 94.7% of organizations reported storing larger volumes of information after adopting artificial intelligence technologies across their operations.
It also estimates that global data generation could reach 718 zettabytes by 2030, approximately four times the 2024 volume. Each zettabyte represents one billion terabytes, indicating the scale of storage capacity potentially required as digital activity expands.
Magnetic tape can help accommodate this growth by providing a relatively inexpensive way to retain large volumes of data offline for extended periods, without occupying costly high-speed storage. Tape also offers protection against certain cybersecurity incidents because stored cartridges can remain disconnected from operational systems. Keeping copies offline can reduce their exposure to remote attacks, although physical damage, mishandling and other risks remain possible.
The economics of competing storage technologies have strengthened tape’s appeal as semiconductor shortages push up SSD prices and data center demand increases pressure on hard-disk drive supplies. Japanese companies are now investing across several storage technologies, suggesting that they expect continued demand for different capacities, speed, and cost.
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