Considering that data backup is followed with an almost religious fervor, it is no surprise that there are several backup media available in the market. From CDs, DVDs to tape drives and pen drives, the array is varied in style, capacity and cost. Just when you think you have discovered the backup medium that best suits your needs and budget, along comes a newer ostensibly better data storage medium. Every one of the media available is hailed as the best possible option. Given this scenario then, it is rather intriguing that the tape drive that was at one time going the way of the floppy disk has been resurrected and like a phoenix has made a resounding comeback. Though previously thought to be too expensive, not very fast and a tad bit unreliable, the tape drive has nudged its way back and after all these years still remains popular with companies.

Tape Drive Features

Tape drives do not allow for random access memory and only the sequential access of data is possible.
Despite a slow seek-time, a tape drive rapidly streams data to tape.
There are various interfaces that can connect a tape drive to a computer like parallel ports, Fire Wire, Fiber Channel etc.
The compressed storage capacity of a tape drive can be up to 160.
The typical feature of a tape drive is that when the transfer rate of data falls below the transfer speed, the drive stops, reverses position and starts writing again.
A tape backup consists of a tape drive and a tape cartridge. The tape drive records to and reads from the tape. The cartridge holds the data storing magnetic tape. The tape length is usually between 4mm to half inch.

Tape Drives are Popular with Companies

Most companies are extremely particular about storage of data, as their very functioning depends on this all important data. Tape drives are very popular with companies as a backup medium. The advantages that companies find in tape drives are many.

Tape drives have proved to be worthy veterans in the backup world and have stood the test of time. Considering they haven't vanished like floppies, tape drives offer a sort of dependable familiarity. Companies that have been using tape drives for a very long time prefer to continue using a medium that they know well and which suits their purpose.

A tape drive can give any current disk drive a run for its money when it is provided with a constant stream of data. When used in an automated tape library, it works out much cheaper than the disk options.

A tape drive is extremely versatile, as backup applications understand tape.

A tape drive is portable and can be moved around easily which makes it an ideal backup medium.

The storage capacity of a tape drive makes it extremely attractive to companies who singularly seek sizable storage capacity in the backup medium that they use. Tapes drives come in a compact size and yet have the capacity of the hard drive, which is forever increasing in physical size. In fact, the capacity of tape drives has been getting bigger and bigger which is perfect for the needs of companies who need to store vast amounts of data.

If the tape drive is maintained properly, it is fairly reliable and hardy. It is important for backup media to be designed with longevity in mind. The tape drive is also designed simply and in a way that it can be universally used.

Drawbacks

Despite all its advantages, the tape drive does have its drawbacks. The major drawback is perhaps that it does not allow random access of stored files. While the more expensive drives are reliable, the cheaper ones can be rather unreliable. Further, tape drives cannot be used simultaneously by two servers. Tape drives also have a reputation of being a tad bit temperamental.

conclusion

From the time when the very first tape drive made its entry as a storage medium in 1951, it has both, maintained its solid demeanor and at the same time evolved its inherent capabilities to keep up with the times. Keeping in mind its experience in the field with the added bonus of updated feature, it is no surprise that companies continue to solidly back the tape drive as their medium of storage. A rare blend of the old and the new is perhaps why the tape drive still soldiers on even as newer devices come and go.