Preventing Tape Failure
Storing data on tape has been one of the most popular methods of backing up data for some time. Tape is a long-lasting media which is very cost effective to use due to its high bit density and minimal cost per bit when compared to other long term storage methods. Although disk storage is gaining popularity tape has proven its effectiveness. Even so, actions should be taken to ensure that your data is protected because tape backup does have its vulnerabilities.
In order to have the best results from tape backup there are two categorise of precautions that need to be take. First, you need to make sure that the data is being properly put on the tape, and then you need to make sure the tapes are safe and accessible.
When entering the datao onto tape most important action that should be taken to ensure a successful backup is verification. Whether you do a full verification or a less indepth one (sometimes called read-after-write) these will make sure that the correct data is being saved onto your media. Though a full verification is very time consuming it could be worth it for mission critical data. If you do not have the time do a full verification each time you can spend about half the time by doing a less secure method.
Another step that should be taken so that you know your data is being saved correctly is proper maintenance of your tape drives. The analog nature of tape storage means that certain precautions must be taken, like having the drives cleaned regularly and having their alignment checked at least once a year. The goal of this is to take action before the drive has problems and your data is vulnerable.
The final steps to ensure that your data is saved safely is to be wary of the condition of your tapes. These items do wear out after a certain number of usages so it is best to either rotate the tapes you backup upon or to record the times used and periodically change. Given the reliance placed on each tape is it important that they are in proper working order so it is always less expensive to have them in good shape rather then wearing them out.