Cobalt Iron Launches Compass Tape Gateway™, Modernizing IBM i Backup With Secure, Automated SaaS Delivery - Broadcast Beat

Lawrence, Kansas — Cobalt Iron has officially launched the Compass Tape Gateway™ (CTG), marking a significant update to its enterprise backup platform. Announced on April 15, 2026, the new solution aims to modernize data protection specifically for IBM i workloads by replacing traditional virtual tape libraries with a fully automated, software-defined approach. Unlike legacy systems requiring manual configuration and hardware maintenance, CTG is provisioned in minutes and managed entirely through the Compass SaaS platform. This shift eliminates the need for firmware updates or operating system patches, ensuring the infrastructure remains current and optimized. The solution treats IBM i as a first-class citizen, allowing integration alongside AIX, Linux, and Windows environments within a single centralized framework. Security remains a central pillar of the launch, leveraging Cobalt Iron’s patented Zero Access® architecture. This model replaces standard access points with a hermetically sealed infrastructure that removes logins and access to backup servers, effectively blocking common attack vectors. Additional protections include multilayer encryption, immutability, and logical air-gap zones designed to detect ransomware activity. Deployment flexibility allows organizations to back up systems on-premises and replicate data to the IBM Cloud, or deploy exclusively in cloud-only environments via IBM Power Virtual Server. Through the IBM Cloud Catalog, the gateway can be ready for production in 15 minutes without hardware setup. Pricing is structured to include CTG with the Compass platform, charging customers only for the stored volume of protected data after deduplication. Greg Tevis, vice president of product at Cobalt Iron, stated that the expansion reflects a commitment to simplifying enterprise backup across hybrid and cloud-first environments. The Compass Tape Gateway is now available via the IBM Cloud Marketplace, with free trials offered directly through the company.