Recovery Centre
Tape Backup � Uses, Weaknesses and Alternatives
Tape drives are designed to run at high speeds. But when not used, they do not perform at all. If you are currently using a tape, the key is to supply a stream that is speedy enough to keep the system happy.
Tape Backup – Uses, Weaknesses and Alternatives
Tape drives are designed to run at high speeds. But when not used, they do not perform at all. If you are currently using a tape, the key is to supply a stream that is speedy enough to keep the system happy.
In PCs, tape backup is the ability to cyclically copy the contents of the entire or a designated amount of data to a tape cartridge device. This is done in the event of a hard drive crash so data will not be lost. This method allows for manual transfer of data or it can be performed together with a software for automatic saving of files.
Its Use
The method is typically used on personal computers or in storing large amounts of data for disaster recovery and archiving purposes. Tape backup has the ability to retrieve data that has been backed up to a hard disk storage device. While most of today’s enterprise solutions rely on tape systems, a movement exists towards a more reliable disk-based back up. Problems related to tape drives use has made such movement possible among the storage industry.
The Weaknesses
Tape backup has its downsides. Here is the list:
• Prone to failure
According to research, restoring data from a tape device can fail up to seventy percent. They are attributed to a myriad of causes ranging from user error to breakdown of the media itself.
• Speed
Speed is another major weakness of this technology. It takes 2 – 4 times faster than disk backups. Speed is considered an indispensable part of storing and retrieving data, considering today’s global economy.
Data Backup Alternatives
The use of tape has evolved since the last 20 years. However, it is not the most reliable method for data backup today. With the many options available, users have turned to more reliable systems to store their files.
• External Hard Drives
An external hard drive is more capable of storing large amounts of data. The speed at which it operates is also incomparable to traditional tape systems. Usually, they offer 200GB of space for your files. Not only is it safer to use, but is also very much faster.
• CDs and DVDs
Home owners also prefer optical media for file storage. These are better than tape backup since the latter is not necessary for small amounts of data. The existence of HD DVD and Blu Ray discs is also making the tape backup system the last alternative for data storage.
