The Karolinska Institutet, located in Sweden, is one of the world’s leading medical research institutions.
Renowned for selecting the Nobel Prize laureates in Physiology or Medicine since 1901, the institute conducts
groundbreaking research across a wide range of fields - from basic medical science to clinical medicine and
public health.
Particularly in the areas of cancer research, regenerative medicine, neuroscience, and infectious diseases, the
Karolinska Institutet is recognized as a global center of excellence. With a vast number of laboratories and an
ever-growing volume of research data, the need for a reliable, long-term data preservation solution became
increasingly critical.
To address the challenge of securely storing research data for over a decade, the institute sought alternatives
to conventional storage media such as HDDs, which did not meet their requirements. Their search led them to LTO
magnetic tape technology, known for its high capacity - up to 45TB per cartridge - and long-term durability of
over 30 years. The decision to adopt UNITEX’s LTO solution was driven by its ease of use, allowing researchers
to simply connect via USB.
Today, the Karolinska Institutet utilizes the UNITEX LT90H USB LTO tape drive in combination with the UNITEX
ArchiveLT software to archive a wide range of data, including microscope imagery and other critical research in
medicine, biology, and life sciences.
While many researchers wanted to use LTO, the complexity of SAS interfaces
made it a challenge. UNITEX’s USB-connected LTO system has been a game-changer - a true solution for those,
like us, who had nearly given up on implementation
At the Karolinska Institutet, there is a responsibility to securely store
large
volumes of critical data generated through medical and biological research
Karolinska Institutet hosts a large number of research laboratories, where vast amounts of essential data
related to medical and biological sciences are generated on a daily basis. Historically, image data and other
research outputs were stored on external hard drives. However, this approach presented several
challenges:
[Increasing Data Volumes]
Microscopic imaging data from a single experiment can range from several hundred gigabytes to multiple
terabytes. The capacity of external hard drives quickly reached its limits.
[Limited Lifespan of Hard Drives]
External hard drives typically have a lifespan of only 4 to 5 years, making them unsuitable for long-term data
preservation, especially when retention periods exceed 10 years.
[Data Transfer Speed and Storage Costs]
Transferring large datasets to cloud storage was time-consuming, and the cost of long-term cloud storage proved
to be impractical for large-scale research data archiving.
Three-dimensional tissue imaging microscope (Light Sheet Microscope)
within the institute
For researchers, spending less time on data storage tasks means more time
to
focus on their core scientific work - a highly appreciated benefit
Results Achieved with the Introduction of UNITEX’s USB-Connected LTO Tape Drive at Karolinska Institutet
[Long-Term Storage of Large-Scale Data]
With the ability to store up to 45TB per compact cartridge, LTO tape enabled efficient archiving of massive
volumes of image data. Compared to hard drives, LTO offers a significantly longer lifespan - over 30 years -
making it an ideal solution for preserving critical research data.
[Improved Data Transfer Speeds]
The UNITEX LTO tape drive delivers high-speed data writing performance comparable to traditional hard drives.
This significantly reduced data transfer times and improved overall research workflow efficiency.
[Reduced Operational Burden]
Thanks to its USB connectivity and portable design, the UNITEX LTO tape drive can be easily used across
different laboratories and PCs. Its plug-and-play functionality allows for flexible deployment. Additionally,
the ability to automate data archiving has minimized the time researchers need to spend on storage tasks,
allowing them to focus more on their core research activities.
Moving forward, we plan to actively utilize USB-connected LTO tape drives
to
further enhance the efficiency of our research data management
Karolinska Institutet plans to continue leveraging LTO technology not only for research data but also for a wide
range of institutional data requiring long-term preservation. To support this, the institute is actively
utilizing UNITEX’s USB-connected LTO tape drives, aiming to further streamline and secure its data management
processes.
[Enhancing Storage Efficiency]
As data volumes continue to grow, the institute is considering the adoption of higher-capacity LTO tape drives
to accommodate increasingly large datasets, such as high-resolution microscopy images.
[Building a Comprehensive Data Management System]
A new system is being planned to manage the expanding volume of research data, enabling easier indexing, search,
and access across departments and projects.
[Facilitating Secure Data Sharing]
The institute also aims to establish a secure framework for sharing LTO-archived research data with other
institutions and researchers, maximizing the impact and reach of its scientific findings.
As a leading medical university, Karolinska Institutet not only strives for groundbreaking discoveries but also
bears the responsibility of preserving and passing on those achievements to future generations. In this context,
UNITEX’s USB-connected LTO tape drives play a vital role across the institute’s operations. By continuing to
expand their use, the institute aims to maintain its position as a global leader in medical research and
contribute to the advancement of healthcare worldwide.
UNITEX remains committed to supporting Karolinska
Institutet - and research institutions and healthcare organizations around the world - by delivering optimal,
reliable solutions for long-term data preservation.
Founded in
1810, the Karolinska Institute has earned an excellent reputation in the fields of medical education and
research. Additionally, it offers comprehensive international education programs and hosts numerous top-tier
research laboratories.
Product
High-Speed USB-Connected LTO Tape Drive
+ LTO Archiving Software
LT90H USB
+ UNITEX ArchiveLT
- Long-term preservation of large-scale data with highly reliable LTO tapes
- Capable of storing vast amounts of image data generated daily, ranging from hundreds of gigabytes to
several terabytes
- Ideal for long-term storage of research data due to the short lifespan of hard disks
Recommended for Customers Like These
- Those in industries such as broadcasting, video production, surveillance cameras, and healthcare,
considering the storage or utilization of large-scale data
- Those exploring solutions for storing massive amounts of images, such as surveillance footage or sensor
data
- Those seeking media capable of transferring and sharing large-scale data with other organizations
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owners. The contents are as of April 2025.
Please note that the information contained in this catalog is information at the time of interview and it may
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