Yes Qualstar's are really good. We are implementing them now. We could dump 105 GB (Unix format data) on a AIT2 tape. This compression depends on the type of data you are backing up. The CIFS data blocks dumped only upto 60-70 GB per tape.

-----Original Message----- From: Larry Goodman [mailto:Larry.Goodman@Intense3D.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2000 6:45 AM To: toasters@mathworks.com Subject: AIT libraries

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