RE: IBM 3570 tape subsystem -- MIDRANGE-L

IBM ships a 3570 tape (I believe it is actually a relabeled tape from BASF).
Tapes as shipped are barcoded and numbered. Tapes are reliable and I have
had good success with backup and recoveries. Tape unit seems to be good
also. It is possible (I think if I'm reading the manual correctly) if you
have a two tape model system with the internal barcode reader and the
correct BRMS software to actually track your tape libs with the unit.
However, its probably out of bounds ($$$) for most people and probably
presents some other tape management hassles which only BIG shops could
afford. Otherwise, if you have the skill and time, build a little DB and
utility for tracking your tapes and backups yourself.
It's a shame IBM doesn't handle this end of the system too well as it would
really clean up a lot of issues that are always on the back burner (but
rarely fully addressed) until emergency time or full reload time. The AS400
does so well otherwise.....

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-midrange-l@midrange.com
> [mailto:owner-midrange-l@midrange.com]On Behalf Of Draper, Dale
> Sent: Friday, September 10, 1999 8:31 AM
> To: 'MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com'
> Subject: RE: IBM 3570 tape subsystem
>
>
> "1.      There's no way to physically label the tape"
>
> Au contraire mon frere, we regularly do this with the type of labeling
> machine that uses a thin heat sensitive film for stock.
>
>
> Dale Draper
> Sega Enterprises, Inc. (USA)
> Dale.Draper@seu.sega.com
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From:       Al Barsa, Jr. [SMTP:barsa2@ibm.net]
> > Sent:       Friday, September 10, 1999 10:13 AM
> > To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
> > Subject:    Re: IBM 3570 tape subsystem
> >
> > At 08:03 AM 09/10/1999 -0500, you wrote:
> > >I have the opportunity to buy a used 3570 stand alone 2-drive tape
> > >subsystem qualified for IBM maint.
> > >
> > >Those of you with experience on these, how are they?  Reliable?
> > >Speedy?  Does the offline tape-to-tape copy work well?
> > >
> > >This would really be a step up from our 8mm.
> >
> > The difference between 8mm and 3570 is kind of like the
> difference between
> >
> > a Yugo and a Boeing 747.
> >
> > 3570 problems:
> >
> > 1.      There's no way to physically label the tape.
> >
> > 2.      It's hard to get vendors to send you media on 3570, because the
> > tapes are expensive.  For this reason keep your 8mm if
> > possible.  Alternatively, get a QIC for this purpose.
> >
> > Al
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > +--------------------------------------------------+
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> > +--------------------------------------------------+
> >
> > Al Barsa, Jr. - Account for Midrange-L
> > Barsa Consulting, LLC.
> > 400 > 390
> >
> > Phone:              914-251-1234
> > Fax:                914-251-9406
> > http://www.barsaconsulting.com
> > http://www.taatool.com
> >
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