Tim Jones
01-12-2010, 11:20 AM
Hi Folks,
We've been getting a slew of questions about how to protect archived projects that are to be delivered to the client. The quick answer is to write protect the tapes given to the clients, but it's too easy for them to flip that little tab. However, if you're using LTO-4 or the upcoming LTO-5 (late Spring/Summer) or the new DAT320 devices, there is a WORM option that you should take advantage of.
Like WORM optical media, WORM tape cartridges and drives are designed to allow one write to the tape with no ability to either erase or overwrite the tape's contents.
While you can write multiple data sets to a single tape, at no time will the WORM-compatible drive allow you to erase or overwrite any existing data on the WORM tape - only writing to a fresh cartridge or appending to the existing data are allowed.
For now, all current LTO-4 and DAT320 drives support WORM by default and the LTO-5 will support it when the devices are released.
All you need to do is purchase WORM media appropriate to your drive for your client deliverables. On average, WORM media will cost you between $8 to $15 per tape more than a standard tape.
If you're using BRU PE, you can take advantage of Doubler Mode with two tape drives to automatically create your internal archive and the client's deliverable tapes by using a standard tape in one drive and WORM media in the second.
No more worry about the client overwriting your work "by accident".
We've been getting a slew of questions about how to protect archived projects that are to be delivered to the client. The quick answer is to write protect the tapes given to the clients, but it's too easy for them to flip that little tab. However, if you're using LTO-4 or the upcoming LTO-5 (late Spring/Summer) or the new DAT320 devices, there is a WORM option that you should take advantage of.
Like WORM optical media, WORM tape cartridges and drives are designed to allow one write to the tape with no ability to either erase or overwrite the tape's contents.
While you can write multiple data sets to a single tape, at no time will the WORM-compatible drive allow you to erase or overwrite any existing data on the WORM tape - only writing to a fresh cartridge or appending to the existing data are allowed.
For now, all current LTO-4 and DAT320 drives support WORM by default and the LTO-5 will support it when the devices are released.
All you need to do is purchase WORM media appropriate to your drive for your client deliverables. On average, WORM media will cost you between $8 to $15 per tape more than a standard tape.
If you're using BRU PE, you can take advantage of Doubler Mode with two tape drives to automatically create your internal archive and the client's deliverable tapes by using a standard tape in one drive and WORM media in the second.
No more worry about the client overwriting your work "by accident".