Cleaning the Tape Drive

CLEANING THE TAPE DRIVE

STORING THE CARTRIDGES

If VXAtape cartridges are stored properly, you can expect to successfully recover data from them for 30 years. Be aware that the 30-year storage life is for an archival tape, not a tape being used for daily backups.

As a general rule, use a new (or relatively unused) cartridge to store any critical data you may need to recover many years from now. Do not use a cartridge that has reached its retirement point. For routine backups that get overwritten each day or week, it is acceptable to reuse cartridges until they are ready for retirement.

Proper storage of cartridges helps prevent media-related problems. To ensure a storage period of 30 years, follow these guidelines:

Remove the cartridge from the tape drive and store it as soon as possible after you have finished writing or reading data. Avoid handling the cartridge excessively. Never open the cartridge door or touch the tape.

Label each cartridge.

Set the cartridge write-protect switch to prevent accidental over-writing by moving the switch to the edge of the cartridge. (See page 22.)

Keep each cartridge in its protective case or a container designed for cartridge storage.

Store cartridges away from copiers and printers to avoid contamination by toner and paper dust.

Store cartridges away from objects or devices that emit strong magnetic fields.

This section describes when and how to clean the tape drive to maintain optimal performance. Circulating air may introduce debris into the tape path. If debris builds up on the heads, error rates increase and backups take longer because the tape drive must rewrite the data. The VXA-320 tape drive includes an internal cleaning wheel to remove contamination from the tape path. However, you should still clean the tape drive regularly with a separate cleaning cartridge to maximize tape drive reliability and the life of your tapes.

DETERMINING WHEN TO CLEAN THE TAPE DRIVE

When the tape drive requires cleaning, LED 2 flashes amber. The tape drive should be cleaned as soon as possible after this LED begins flashing.

Note: Some software applications may notify you that the tape drive requires cleaning. Refer to your software documentation for more information.

OCTOBER 2006	VXA-320 TAPE DRIVE
OCTOBER 2006	VXA-320 TAPE DRIVE

VXA-320 (VXA-3) specifications

Tandberg Data VXA-320 (VXA-3) is a sophisticated backup solution designed for businesses seeking reliable data storage and backup capabilities. It is part of the renowned VXA series, heralded for its innovative approach to data archiving and its robust performance in diverse operating environments.

One of the standout features of the VXA-320 is its impressive data transfer rate, which reaches up to 36 GB per hour. This capability significantly enhances backup speed, making it a suitable choice for organizations with extensive data storage needs. The device supports a native capacity of 160 GB per cartridge, which can be expanded to 320 GB when data is compressed. This dual-layer cartridge system ensures that users can efficiently manage large volumes of data without constantly needing to interchange tapes.

The VXA-320 employs the unique VXA tape format, characterized by its advanced error correction and data integrity features. This format minimizes data loss risks and ensures reliable restoration of information. Additionally, the VXA-3 incorporates a one-inch data path, allowing it to handle higher track counts and thereby achieve better storage density. This design improves the efficiency of data retrieval and archiving processes.

Another significant aspect of the VXA-320 is its compatibility with a myriad of operating systems and backup applications, making it a versatile addition to various IT infrastructures. Businesses can integrate the VXA-3 into existing systems without the need for extensive reconfiguration. This flexibility enhances its appeal to organizations looking for a straightforward backup solution.

The device also includes an intelligent tape management system that tracks the status of backup jobs and the usage of tapes. This feature facilitates easier management of the backup process and ensures users remain informed about the condition of their storage media.

Tandberg Data offers extensive support documentation and tools that facilitate straightforward operation of the VXA-320. Combined with reliable performance and innovative storage technologies, the VXA-320 (VXA-3) stands out as a robust solution for data protection needs. Overall, it represents an effective investment for businesses seeking dependable data backup and archiving solutions.