dds usage and shelf life

[joseph r]

I use a DDS-1 tape once a week to do a backup, how many times can I use that tape. I also use a DDS-1 tape once a year to do a backup, do I need to worry about the shelf life of the tape? I've received very different answers before and am trying to find the best info. Thanks.

[Eugeny Brychkov]

You can use tape many many times, but backup quality depends on how do you store tapes. Please follow recommendations
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=lpg51014&locale=en_US&taskId=120&prodSeriesId=42903&prodTypeId=12169
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=lpg50116&locale=en_US&taskId=120&prodSeriesId=42903&prodTypeId=12169
If you have DDS2 drive or better it's recommended to use appropriate DDS tape (the same standard: DDS2 tape for DDS2 drive, DDS3 tape for DDS3 drive etc).
Do not forget to clean drive after each 5 full backups or 20 tape pulling hours.
Eugeny