While studying for the lpic exam, I've run into the command `cpio`. 

The description of cpio states:

> 
> Cpio was originally designed to store backup file archives on a tape
>  device in a sequential, contiguous manner. Cpio does not compress any
>  content, but resulting archives are often compressed using gzip or
>  other external compressors.
> 
> 
> 

In looking at examples of how to use cpio, I can't find a single scenario where cpio would better than more common tools like `tar`. 

What is an example where using `cpio` would be used, (besides tape backups), or is it no longer relevant on todays systems?