3480 Class Tape Cartridge Drives and Archival Data Storage: Technology Assessment Report

摘要

The report analyzes the archival implications of using 3480-class tape cartridges and drives for the long-term storage of data. It covers the mechanical and chemical aspects of the cartridges and drives and analyzes the market and technological future of the systems. The report concludes that 3480 class cartridges may serve as archival data storage systems in the future. The National Archives, however, should not make a decision for one year while additional information about 3480 class cartridge drives on minicomputers becomes available and density upgrades occur. Costs of equipment for handling 3480 cartridges also restrict the archives ability to move to 3480 class cartridges. Within 3 to 5 years, the archives will likely have to make a decision about future data storage.