Tape Initialization
Before tapes can be used on most mainframe applications, they must be initialized. This involves writing a volume label (typically 80 bytes) and sometimes some header labels at the front of the tape. The serial number in the volume label is the same as is physically added to the tape. This enables manual operators or robots to physically locate and select a tape. Often the number is added as a tri-optic label on a tape cartridge that can be read by a barcode reader.
It is often very advantageous to be able to initialize tapes off line (on a PC) so that the mainframe or other automated storage system can accept the tapes directly. MM/PC provides all the tools required to do this. Labels may be added in any numeric sequence or just read from the barcode on the tape. There is also a mode to verify that the volume label on the tape corresponds to the physical label. Operation is possible with small or large libraries and includes full log reporting.