Tape Media Testing
Tape backup storage is only as reliable as the media 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 is 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 and density can be set as requiredy. 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
Download a free, fully functional demo package (copy count limited and media test feature not included). Please contact us to obtain a demo with the media test feature included.