Gene,

We replaced our twin DLT boxes (7337's?) a couple of years ago with a 3494
and a couple of 3590s and would never go back.  Reliability is good.

Other than a couple dropped tapes we have not had any robot problems until
recently.   I'm not surprised.  I tune my 3466 to be using the tape drive
constantly for one thing or the other (especially onsite/offsite pool
reclamation)

Recently we have had a motor and a belt replaced.  I think there was
something else done but can't remember what it was.  To me this is OK and
within my expectations.  IBM was very responsive.  When my robot can't mount
a tape (that may be for a user's restore request) I make it a Sev-1 and IBM
comes out and starts working on it ASAP.

The 3590 drives are great.  I have some (about 3 out of 900 in 3 years)
tapes that get flaky and have to be chucked out but I have never lost any
data.   (Something about VCR?)   I'll take servo-track any day!!!!!

I think its only expensive getting started.  that first box with controller
is a killer.  But remember you can add 8 more frames before IBM makes you
buy another robot.  We got 2 extra drives (K) on the used market (certified)
and paid 1/3 list!!!.  :-) Second frame was only 20-30K.

                ... joe.f.


Joseph A Faracchio,  Systems Programmer, UC Berkeley
Private mail on any topic should be directed to :
         joef AT uclink.berkeley DOT edu
 (510)642-7638 (W)  (209)483-JOEF (M)
                             5633
  I retire from UC Berkeley March 20th. .... then ...

    "Would you like fries with that order?"
    "Can I super-size it for you"

    is my new mantra!!!!   :-)

On Fri, 1 Feb 2002, Gene Greenberg wrote:

> SMers
>
> I'm currently using a 3575 tape library and have to make or not make a
> recommendation to move to a 3494 library.
>
> For those who have one already I'd be interested in your eval of the
> 3494, good, bad or indefferent.
>
> Thanks for your help
>
> Gene
>