DLT 8000 vs. DLT VS80

[CA1032759]

Anyone know if you can get better compression off of a DLT VS80 versus a DLT 8000?

We've had a DLT 8000 for a couple of years now and we seem to only get ~ 52 gig of data backed up. Apparently this is normal and the 80 gig compressed is rarely achieved. Thanks.

[Rothery Harris]

Dear Floyd,

Both drives uses DCLZ data compression. The reality of life is that the achievable compression for a particular algorithm often has a 'sweet spot' for type of data but actually the overall diffences are not great. There can be diffences in throuput because some compression engines pre-scan the data and switch off when random data is detected. Your drive is compressing 52GB into a native 50GB tape and this is a result of the 'randomness' of your data. Totally random data actually will expand when subjected to compression by up to 10%. Hp has some utilities on its web pages where you can check your drive performance which may help. You could upgrade to SDLT220 or 320 or Ultrium to achieve more performance and greater storage capacity.

Regards

Rothery