Here are my thoughts:

AIT: pros: Great product, nice access time due to the embedded chip, best choice for nearline tape storage, small footprint cons: only media supplier is Sony, the rest are just re-sellers (chances are they aren't going anywhere but you never know)

SDLT: pros: Long track record, can read older DLT media (if BRC drive), supported by everyone cons: potential for mixing media

LTO: not a big fan of LTO, thought it would be great in the beginning but the "unified format" fractured long before I thought it would.

~JK

dwald@kersey.yi.org wrote:

Hi all.

We've been using DLT7000 drives off the back of our 740's for some time now, and are looking to upgrade.

According to the NOW site, NetApps supports the SuperDL220, AIT-3 and some of the LTO's, among others.

Capacity and throughput are somewhat close across the three types, I'm curious for any thoughts on which is preferred? Any horror stories on any of these with Filers?

Thanks