Greetings,
I would like to take this opportunity to correct some erroneous and
misleading information recently posted to this Listserver concerning the use
of the StorageTek 9840 tape drive and robotic libraries with ADSM. I
realize this Listserver is for the exchange of user knowledge, experience,
and opinion. Unfortunately, the information previously posted is consistent
with the misleading information being distributed by misinformed individuals
or competitors, and warrants a response.
Misleading Statement:
"I've heard that if you drop them (9840 cartridges) from more than a meter
high they might shatter."
Reality:
For cartridge strength and protection, the 9840 cartridge shell is fastened
together using screws. All high density cartridges require the same basic
care and handling. With up to 80 GB per cartridge, the focus should be on
handling the media carefully enough so that it will not be damaged. The
media manufacturer (Imation) specifications for both the IBM 3590 and
StorageTek 9840 media are identical. Please refer to the attached Technical
Bulletin by Imation.
9840/3590 Media Drop Strength Specification: "Suitable for use after drop
from 1 meter or less."
9840/3590 Manufacturer's Recommendation: "After drop of greater than 1
meter, copy data to new cartridge and retire dropped cartridge."
IBM 3590 Media Drop Strength Performance: "Weld is very strong, but if weld
breaks there is potential for internal debris, and weld will continue to
break further. Internal components, including the tape pack, might be
affected."
StorageTek 9840 Media Drop Strength Performance: " The screws precisely and
firmly control shell alignment and the force holding the cartridge together.
Internal components, including the tape pack, might be affected."
<<Imationtech.pdf>>
Misleading Statement:
"I also understand the 9840 spec is similar to the IBM 3570 MP which have no
cleaning mechanism similar to what the 3590 Magstar has. Could mean
read/write errors over time."
Reality:
To improve data reliability, the 9840 tape drive automatically performs a
cleaning operation during every load/unload cycle. A cleaning brush inside
the drive cleans the head as a cartridge is loaded, and again as it is
unloaded. In addition, the 9840 drive will request that a 9840 cleaning
tape be inserted to wipe the head surface after a specified amount of tape
has passed over the head. The drive performs a shoe-shine cleaning
procedure, and automatically positions the cleaning tape past the used
portion of tape. This ensures a "fresh" section of cleaning tape is used
each time, and eliminates the possibility of depositing debris from the
cleaning tape onto the head. The 9840's captive mid-point load cartridge
design minimizes the possibility of both media and drive contamination,
since the tape never leaves the cartridge.
Misleading Statement:
"Another question is what is the future for 9840. To increase capacity in
the future will STK have to
go to single spool tape abandoning the current dual reel cart?"
Reality:
Information regarding the next generation of 9840 reverting back to the
standard single spool cartridge design is inaccurate. Future enhancements to
the 9840 include uncompressed capacities of over 100 GB, and throughput of
over 40 MB/sec. Enhancements to 9840 capacity and throughput will use the
same mid-point load, dual hub cartridge that is available today.
When evaluating a solution to store mission critical backup data, it is
important to have all of the facts.
Please feel free to call me with any questions.
Thank you for your time,
Ed Palmer
Nearline Marketing Specialist
StorageTek
(781) 672-6350
FAX: (781) 890-9106
ed_palmer AT storagetek DOT com
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