Preventing Tape Failure
The second set of precautions have to deal with the tapes once they are stored. Even if your data is backed up correctly, this is useless if the tapes are not kept in a manner that will protect both them and their contents.
Proper conditions for storage will not subject the tapes to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, or electromagnetism. These four things will significantly decrease the lifespan of your data, supposing they do not immediately ruin the tapes.
Another aspect of proper storage, aside from conditions, is location. A smart practice is to store tapes some where besides your company's building. Whether the tapes are kept at a storage facility or, for the small office, at an employee's home this will protect the tapes in case of fire or another disaster.
The final step to take is to periodically check the tapes and verify the data. Though tape has a long life the media should not simply be thrown in a closet and forgotten. The data should be checked periodically so as to verify the contents and the condition of the tapes. The best way to do this is to restore the data on a system which is currently not being used because this will simulate a real-life data recovery situation.
Though tape is a great way to store important data is does have weaknesses. Once proper precautions are taken these can be minimized but only so much can be done. The key to success will always be redunancy and careful maintenance, no matter what media you use to back up your information.