Tape Media Testing
Tape backup storage is only as reliable as the media that it is stored on. A program to test the media is therefore an extremely valuable tool and can help isolate faulty and dubious tapes. MediaMerge/PC (MM/PC) will do several types of tests on tapes and log the number and type of errors found on a tape.
Most tapes do have soft errors that the read-after-write can correct on the fly, and so each type of tape will have its own profile of predictable, acceptable errors. It is not normally acceptable for a new tape to have to reposition and rewrite data, but as the tape wears, this becomes more likely. Because MM/PC is a stand-alone program, testing can be done off line typically before tapes are loaded into automated library systems. The testing may either be write test or just a non-destructive read test.
By doing regular tests on tapes, it will be possible to determine if the tapes need replacing or if there is a problem with contamination within the tape library or tape handling system.
When testing tapes the block size can be set as required as can the density. Tests can be done for a volume of data or a period of time. It is not practical to test many tapes for the full length, but with 3480s and ORT (9-track) this is a viable option. For other tapes it is often adequate to test a full length of a serpentine tape.
Features of MM/PC
- Supports all SCSI tape drives
- Several test modes
- Full report of all errors detected
- Full customer support
- Free fully functional (copy count limited) demo package can be downloaded but the media test feature is not included in the standard download. Please contact eMag to obtain this type of demo.