The storage of off-site data is also known as vaulting as backups are stored in purpose built vaults. (1)
Tape storage, backup data tape storage, magnetic media protection, media vaulting.
Typical Storage Media:
Over time, media storage capacities have increased while physical sizes have dramatically decreased. The following is a list of the most common formats, and is not intended to be exhaustive. For more illustrations, dimensions and specifications, click here to read PC Magazine’s online encyclopedia reference. (2)
- QIC Tape
- SLR Data Cartridges
- DAT 4mm Tape
- Exabyte 8mm Tape
- AIT 8mm Tape
- SAIT 1/2 Tape
- DLT / SDLT Tape
- IBM 3480
- IBM 3490
- IBM 3590 (Magstar)
- IBM Magstar MP
- Ultrium – LTO
- Redwood
- DV / MiniDV
- DST cassette
- DTF Cassette
- DIR Cassette
- Open Reel Tape 1/2″
- Pereos Tape
(1) “Off-site Data Protection.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 17 Sep 2006, 23:51 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 29 Sep 2006
(2) “Magnetic Tape Summary” PCMAG.COM 29 Sep 2006, 08:31 UTC. The Computer Language Company, Inc. 29 Sep 2006
(3) “IBM TotalStorage Enterprise Tape System 3590 Operator’s Guide” Sep 2004. International Business Machines Corporation.
(4) “Backup rotation scheme.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 12 Jul 2006, 15:20 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 29 Sep 2006
Poor handling of magnetic media can lead to damage and data loss. Different media and manufacturers may have different transportation guidelines. The following is to serve as a general rule of thumb, and were gleaned from IBM 3590 guidelines (3).
Click to view a summary of guidelines for magnetic media storage
Attempts to maximize retention of vital data, reduce the time gap between backup and current data, and minimize cartridge costs / handling time. Following are common strategies(4), but you should create a strategy that meets your unique needs.
Generally refers to services offered by a commercial off-site storage company. These services may include scheduled pickup of your backup tape(s), entering identifying information into a inventory database (sometimes using barcodes), placing in a secured and climate-controlled media vault, pulling backup tape(s), returning media to you for use again, and identifying the cartridge as “out”. The service can be requested as needed, or scheduled to occur automatically.
Recent news headlines underscore the need to responsibly care for corporate data and private information. Following are top considerations.
If you can’t retrieve the data on a tape, it is useless for recovering your business. The cost of proper storage is far less than the cost of avoidable data loss or theft.