Mammoth is a magnetic tape and drive system used for computer data storage and archiving. The tapes measure eight millimeters (8 mm) across. A helical scanning technique is used to optimize the data transfer and storage rates.
A Mammoth cartridge can hold 40 gigabytes (GB) of data when compression is used. The compression algorithm is known as improved data recording capability (IDRC). The maximum extent of compression is about 2:1. The Mammoth drive can transfer data at speeds of up to 3 megabytes per second (MBps) without compression, and 6 Mbps with compression.
Mammoth is one of several high-volume, high-speed tape drives developed in recent years. Some examples of competing devices include the linear tape open (LTO) drive, the advanced intelligent tape (AIT) drive, and the DLT drive.