THE DATA-TAPE INDUSTRY IN 2004-2005: FIRST, THE PRODUCTS, THEIR UNIT SALES, PRICES, AND THE REVENUES CREATED

摘要

Data-tape products are offered in three general categories. First, there are those intended for entry-level applications, such as the back-up of single computers in homes and small offices. Typical products in this category include DAT-DDS cassettes, Travan cartridges, and 8mm MP cartridges. Next, one finds a larger group of so-called "middle level" data-tape products, of which Quantum's line of DLT cartridges is the most recognized and widely used member. This group includes all of the cartridge formats that Quantum has introduced since 1996, but today the three most important are DLT-IV, SDLT-1, and SDLT-2. Competing with the Quantum line are cartridges made by members of the LTO Consortium, including LTO-Ultrium-1,2, and 3, as well as Sony's line of AIT cassettes, of which AIT-3, AIT-4 and S-AIT are the most important members. Finally, data-tape media for the enterprise are limited largely to cartridges for use on equipment offered by either IBM or Storage Technology. The most important media include IBM's 3590, 3590E, and 3592 cartridges, with capacities that range from 10 to 300 gigabytes, and StorageTek's 9840 and 9940 cartridges, with capacities of 20 to 60GB.