Situation You May Encounter:

The question has been asked as to the dependability and accuracy of data that has been archived on a data cartridge for an extended period of time.

Why The Situation Exists:

The need has arisen to store and later retrieve valuable data on a data cartridge.

Recommended Action:

It should be noted that the 3M 1/4" Data Cartridge now by Imation has been in continuous use since 1973 and has proven itself to be one of the most durable and reliable means of storing valuable digital data.

In addition to actual field experience, Imation has been gathering data both at its St. Paul Laboratories and at an independent outside laboratory to ascertain the retrievability of archived data stored on a data cartridge. Two types of tests were conducted: actual life and accelerated life. In actual life tests,
all data was successfully retrieved from data cartridges that were written to over 10 years ago. In accelerated life tests, it was found that tape handling reliability is the determining life factor. Based on this factor, a life greater than 20 years was projected.

From these results, one can expect to reliably retrieve data archived on a Imation 1/4" Data Cartridge for a period of at least 10 years, when stored in a normal office environment.

The ability to retrieve data is, of course, limited by the capabilities of the system used and is a function of the implementation of various means for maintaining system data integrity­including, but not limited to, error detection, error mapping and error correction schemes.

Storage Recommendations

1. The best practice for storing cartridges containing data would be to wind the tape to a position near the beginning or end of tape.

2. The cartridge should be stored in its polypropylene protective case.

3. The environmental conditions should be similar to an office, nominally 68°F (20°C) and 50% RH.

4. Testing has indicated that periodic rewinding is not required, and we do not recommend it. A conditioning pass should be done just prior to use.

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.