If any of you kind toaster'ites have experience with AIT2 tape libraries, I'd like to here your advice about the different brands available. I've been researching these devices and they all seem to claim pretty much the same specs (duh, they're all using the same Sony drive!). I'm particularly interested in the durability of the robotics. I've been looking at libraries from Spectra Logic, Qualstar, Adic and Overland Data, usually providing from 12 to 24 slots (single drive). The Qualstar folks claim that they're the only supplier that uses a "lead-screw" design instead of belts for better reliability. Any comments?
Thanks, Larry.Goodman@Intense3d.com
On 12 Sep 2000, at 8:45, Larry Goodman wrote:
If any of you kind toaster'ites have experience with AIT2 tape libraries, I'd like to here your advice about the different brands available. I've been researching these devices and they all seem to claim pretty much the same specs (duh, they're all using the same Sony drive!). I'm particularly interested in the durability of the robotics. I've been looking at libraries
I run 2 Qualstar 46120 libraries with our Legato backup system (I don't use them with our Netapps since I just backup via NFS). I wish everything worked as well as these libraries!!! I've had them for 5 years. In that time I've never had anything go wrong with the libraries (Note: I did NOT say tape drives).
My libraries origionally came with Exabyte 8505XL drives. When AIT1 came out I had my libraries upgraded to them. If I needed, I could upgrade them again to AIT2 (diff scsi electronics and new ait2 drives).
I'll tell one story about Qualstar. When I upgraded from Exabyte to Sony drives I had to send the libraries back to Qualstar since the upgrade required some changes to the picker system. The second library I sent to them was DOA when I received it back. I called Qualstar, talked with them, and the overnighted a replacement library! I was very impressed!
Qre they perfect? No. I wish the little control panel on them was bigger and that the access port handled more than one tape at a time.
Rick
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Larry Goodman -
Richard L. Rhodes