AIT (advanced intelligent tape) 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, similar to that used in Mammoth drives, optimizes the data transfer rate and the storage capacity.
Some AIT cartridges can hold up to 65 gigabytes (GB) of data when compression is used. The algorithm is known as adaptive lossless data compression (ALDC). The maximum extent of compression is 2.1:1. An AIT drive can transfer data at speeds of up 7.8 Mbps with compression.
AIT is one of several high-volume, high-speed tape drive technologies. Competing devices include the linear tape open (LTO) drive, the Mammoth drive, and the digital linear tape (DLT) drive.