Finding The Right Tape Backup Types
There are a handful of different tape types available as a data backup tool. A little investigation will go a long way in determining which tape will work for your specific data requirements. Linear tapes work on an open format. Being open means that tape backup products made by different manufacturers will still be compatible. Previously, this had never been an option and tapes could be read only by the drive it had been written with.
The Linear Tape Open or LTO uses linear recording with multichannels. Half inch magnetic tape is used for the recording. Magnetic servo assists in error correction and the compression of data for easier storage. Electronic modules are embedded for the storage and retrieval of data regarding the tape cartridge itself. Ultrium is a well known tape of this type that uses a single spool to wind the tape through. With compression up to 400 GM can be held this way on a single cartridge.
The DLT or Digital Linear Tape type was produced in the 1980s. It's a variation on the old reel to reel recording method. A single reel of tape is used on removable media. In the current version optical lasers are used to keep the magnetic recording heads in proper alignment. Newer DLT models will read data from older DLT media types. Since its original development millions of them have been sold.
AIT was developed by Sony in the mid-nineties. Meaning advanced intelligent tape, this tape uses helical scan recording with an 8mm tape. This isn't unlike the tape used in video camcorders. Because these tape cartridges are smaller, more of them can be stored in tape libraries allowing for greater data in a smaller storage space. A memory chip is placed in each cartridge for the recording and storage of formats and file locations. The result is much faster tape loading and half the time for a file search. Compression for the AIT drive is provided by IBM's Advanced Lossless Data Compression technology. It outweighs the average compression speed considerably at 2.6:1 rather than 2:1. There are a few other tape backup types for which less information is available in comparison to others. Mammoth is an Exabyte product running a helical scan with a multichannel head. VXA is a type that writes data in packets and functions at variable speeds. This way it can always keep up with the transfer speed from the host. Travan is said to be well created for small offices and remote locales. It is inexpensive but has lower capabilities. Tape types vary but they are a long lasting, reliable method for backing your important data once your selection is made. Taking the time to gain knowledge about your tape backups will only increase efficiency and backup quality.
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