When to replace our DDS4 tapes?

[John O'Neill_6]

Hi All,

I'm thinking of replacing our DDS (20/40GB) tape collection for our HP UX server as they've been in use for 12 months now.

We have a rotating 3 week backup cycle and a 12 month rotating cycle.

In the 12 months the tapes in the 3 week cycle have been in use, they've probably been used about 20 times (including a couple of backup tests for each tape that are done on a regular basis) per tape.

Are these tapes good for another 12 months or should I replace them with a fresh set and re-use these tapes for something else?

I don't want to take chances with our critical data, but i also don't want to needlessly spend a LOT of money on ordering nearly 20 new DDS tapes (almost half a grand from many vendors here in Aus).

What do you think?

Any advice appreciated.

-John

[Leif Halvarsson_2 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You can find some information here. HP recommends replacing the medias after 100 overwrites.
http://www.hp.com/products1/storage/products/storagemedia/tape_dds/faqs.html

[madoc]

All you need to know:

http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=lpg50333

http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=lpg50113

http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=lpg50108