Demystifying Tape
Drive Specs
QUANTUM DLTtape HANDBOOK
6
6.1
Specifications can be stated in different formats, using different
terms, which may or may not mean the same thing. And some-
times two different vendors will use the same term, but will base
their use of the term on very different standards.
For example, identical MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) fig-
ures can be based on very different assumptions for duty cycle or
operating conditions (temperature and humidity). While both fig-
ures are accurate, different assumptions would make them have
very different meanings in real life.
We intend this chapter to be a helpful guide to reading and under-
standing specs for tape drives in the price and performance category
of Quantum DLTtape systems. That includes a range of drives typical-
ly used for backup, archiving, and near on-line storage applications.
It is difficult to make an exact, apples-to-apples comparison of
competing tape drives. That’s because all manufacturers tend to
state specs in the way that puts them in the best light. And, some
products are different enough that you really can’t compare them
apples-to-apples. We will give you a more in-depth view of what
each spec really means, what points you should look for, and how
to judge what specs may be important for your application and
