A backup data storage system includes non-volatile memory units, a disk interface coupled to at least some of the non-volatile memory units, a connection component that facilitates exchanging data with the backup data storage system, and a smart network interface controller, coupled to the disk interface and the connection component to provide tape emulation to a host coupled to the backup data storage system. The disk interface, the connection component, and the smart network interface controller may be coupled using a PCIe bus. Tape data written to the backup storage device may be stored on the non-volatile memory units. A processor coupled to the smart network interface controller and the disk interface may receive the data from the smart network interface controller and may provide the data to the disk interface to store the data on the non-volatile memory units. The connection component may be a FICON connection component.