We make the DBA's dump the data to a format readable by other versions and 
other software, then archive it to TSM.
Also read about Tin Whiskers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisker_(metallurgy)

We have a 20+ year old Digital server.  Replacement hard drives are very hard 
to find and not cheap.  The last one that failed took over a month to locate a 
replacement.

Andy Huebner


-----Original Message-----
From: ADSM: Dist Stor Manager [mailto:ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU] On Behalf Of 
Thomas Denier
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 2:41 PM
To: ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU
Subject: [ADSM-L] PA-RISC system shelf life

I have a strange data retention question somewhat related to TSM.

We have an Oracle application running under HP-UX and using TSM
for Databases (or whatever the API-based add on is called this
week) to provide backup coverage. Over its history the application
has migrated from PA-RISC systems to Itanium systems. The
application is now subject to regulatory requirements not
considered in the original design. The currently favored approach
to cobbling up a solution for the requirements involves retaining
the TSM API backups for up to 25 years. Recent tests seem to
indicate that an Oracle backup from a PA-RISC system cannot be
successfully restored to an Itanium system. The restore process
reports successful completion, but the Oracle software will not
open the restored database. This raises the possibility that we
will be asked to keep a PA-RISC system on hand for the next 25
years.

I gather from what I have read about computer component service
life that a system kept in active service for 25 years would need
at least one set of replacement power supplies, several sets of
replacement internal disks, and an appalling number of service
calls to replace logic circuitry. Would a PA-RISC system last 25
years if it were kept powered down and stored in a controlled
climate for most of that time?

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