New tape drives compatible with DLT8000

[kenny chia]

Hi all
I will be purchasing a new tape drive in the near future. Choices are the VS80 or the SDLT320. The new tape drive must be at least read compatible with my current DLT8000 drives

Can the SDLT320 read tapes written by the DLT8000?

Can the DLT8000 read tapes written by the VS80?

Thanks

[Torsten.]

have a look at this matrix:

http://www.hp.com/products1/storage/pdfs/media/dlt-sdltcompat.pdf

[Kurt Beyers.]

Kenny,

The SDLT 320 offers backward-read compatibility to the SDLT 220 and the DLT 80000.

The VS80 drive cannot read a tape written by a DLT8000 drive, it can only read tapes written in the DLT 20/40 GB format. I've found that out the hard way myself.

best regards,
Kurt

[Scott McIntosh_2]

A document I downloaded from Quantum's web site a long time ago. Couldn't find it on the website currently.

So SDLT320 can read DLTtape IV media written by any DLT drive that can write to such media.

And DLT8000 can read and write to DLTtape IV media written to by DLT4000 and DLT7000 drives, but has no awareness of DLT vs80 concepts (basic concept of backwards compatibility only).

Thanks,
Scott
HP Support

[Nhico]

Hi,

You have two options:

1. You need to look for supplier that still ofering DLT8000 autoloaders
{advantages:
-Read and write compatible from your existing DLTIV media.
-Unattended/automated backup and restore

2. Upgrade your existing drive to latest Tape technologies. Look for a new drive that offers concrete roadmap and best investment protection.