Xref: utzoo comp.periphs:1178 comp.os.vms:8561
Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!lll-tis!helios.ee.lbl.gov!pasteur!ames!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!rutgers!rochester!ritcv!ritcsh!rama!jdc
From: jdc@rama.UUCP (James D. Cronin)
Newsgroups: comp.periphs,comp.os.vms
Subject: 8mm tape storage lifetime
Keywords: 8mm, rumors
Message-ID: <8560@rama.UUCP>
Date: 8 Sep 88 19:22:33 GMT
Organization: Scientific Calculations, Fishers, NY
Lines: 20


Is there any information available concerning the reliability of the
newer 8mm videocassette-based backup units during long-term storage?
(You know, the ones made by Exabyte, et. al.)

We would like to get one, but field service technicians from a
well-known (but unnamed) minicomputer company based in Maynard, Mass.
were heard spreading rumors that they are worthless for anything over
1 year.  This is taken as gospel by people who want to maintain a 
'pure' hardware/software environment, putting the kibosh on it for 
now.  BTW, the unnamed company offers a great cartridge tape system
of their own, the ultra-reliable TK-** series.

Anyway, we would like to get away from rumors, and find out from those
who have direct experience.

Thanks...Jim Cronin
-- 

James D. Cronin           UUCP:  {...}!rochester!tropix!rama!jdc
Scientific Calculations/Harris