We've been using the Smell Powervault 127T LTO recently... They aren't the best put together units I've seen, but after getting a couple replacements =) They seem to work pretty well... basically clones of the IBM Ultrium (I think they are just rebranded.)

Regards, Max

-----Original Message----- From: James Brigman To: toasters@mathworks.com Sent: 8/28/2004 6:01 AM Subject: RE: Tape Devices and Backups.

Jamie, et. al;

My comments apply to the Powervault 120T, the "shoebox" shaped systems. That particular system looks like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39978&item=51... 7946&rd=1

Example of a system I'm not talking about: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3756&item=511... 428

Best of luck on your quest for a better backup solution. Many of us have been in the same position you find yourself in. Just be careful and do lots of research. Those unfortunate enough to have ever used the "Exabyte 120" can all (without exception) tell some horror stories that involve lots of weekend work.

JKB

-----Original Message----- From: owner-toasters@mathworks.com [mailto:owner-toasters@mathworks.com] On Behalf Of James Brigman Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 7:14 AM To: toasters@mathworks.com Subject: RE: Tape Devices and Backups.

Jamie; The Powervaults are small, and once upon a time, we had some trouble with one we had. There was some mechanical part that had to be replaced and after that it worked fine.

The design of the Powervault is a bit bizarre. Remember the PowerEdge 4x00's? It's got that same "tubular box" shape, which really isn't a very good shape for working with. It severely limited the number of tapes the Powervaults could handle, and there's no expansion of the unit (tape capacity) once you buy it. If I remember correctly, you get 4 or 5 tapes plus a cleaning tape and you're done.

Also note: the powervault does not have any barcode read capability. There may have been a version somewhere that did, but I never saw one.

Check up on support: we got rid of ours over a year ago, but if you can buy support, they might not be too bad.

If you can get a StorageTek L20, that's going to be a better unit for you. I saw one on ebay two weeks ago with an LTO tape drive installed for about $5k. StorageTek support is expensive, but their products and service are excellent. The L20's have barcode reading capability built in.

JKB

-----Original Message----- From: owner-toasters@mathworks.com [mailto:owner-toasters@mathworks.com] On Behalf Of Rogers, Jamie Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 4:50 PM To: 'toasters@mathworks.com' Subject: Tape Devices and Backups.

I am outgrowing my existing DLT autoloader which is connected to a sun workstation from which I rsh to do my dumps. I am considering purchasing either new or used an LTO. I'm running ONTAP 6.3.1 om my 760, I presently only have 1TB raw but expect that to increase in the near future. Cost is an issue, I am on a very tight budget so used equipment is pretty much my only option. Has anyone used a Dell powervault LTO with their filers or via rsh? Any other suggestions? I see a lot of these on ebay and I'm wondering why?

Thanks, Jamie

This electronic message, along with any attachments, is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any proprietary information or intellectual property contained in this transmission remains the sole and exclusive property of Marshall & Swift or Marshall & Swift/Boeckh. No right to use any products or services described in this transmission is valid without an executed and paid license agreement. If you received this in error, please reply to advise the sender and delete the material from any computer.