United StatesData Tape 3490E High Performance
Engineered for unmatched reliability and high-capacity data backup, the 3490E Data Tape offers superior durability, robust security, and exceptional performance. Optimize operations and safeguard your critical digital assets.
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3490E Labeled & Initialized Data Tape (2)
3490E labeled and initialized data tape for mainframe vault intake, supporting prewritten volume labels in cartridge workflows, with labeled media tracking
2 Matching results
18P8924 (IBM DLT VS1VS160 Cleaning Cartridge)
4.6 (5)- N/A
- 1.0
- 0.34
- Data Tape
- N/A
- N/A
- No
Est Value
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95P4436-T (IBM LTO Ultrium-4 Data Storage Cartridge (800GB/1600GB))
4.4 (5)- 0.85 inches
- 4.02 inches
- RoHS
- Data Tape
- Standard
- Backup / Long-Term Archiving / Compliance Storage / Tape Libraries
- Up to 30 Years
Est Value First-Time Buyer Discount – Get up to 2% additional off on your first order
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Questions & Answers
What is a 3490E Data Tape cartridge?
The IBM 3490E Data Tape cartridge is an extended-capacity magnetic tape medium designed for mainframe backup and archiving. It features a 5,600-foot metal-particle tape on a robust cartridge for high-density, automated library integration and long-term data retention.
What are the native and compressed storage capacities of 3490E Data Tape?
A 3490E Data Tape cartridge offers up to 10 GB of native capacity and achieves up to 20 GB with 2:1 hardware compression. Actual throughput depends on data characteristics and compression efficiency.
What data transfer rates does the 3490E support?
The 3490E Data Tape delivers sustained native transfer rates of up to 3 MB/s and up to 6 MB/s with 2:1 compression, minimizing backup windows and optimizing tape library operations.
What are the physical dimensions of a 3490E Data Tape cartridge?
A 3490E cartridge measures approximately 4.25 × 2.75 × 1 inches (108 × 70 × 25 mm) and weighs around 300 g, ensuring compatibility with IBM 3490E drives and automated tape libraries.
Is the 3490E Data Tape backward compatible with earlier 3490 drives?
Yes. IBM 3490E tape drives support reading and writing of legacy 3490 Data Tape cartridges, enabling seamless migration and phased upgrades within existing mainframe tape infrastructures.
What type of magnetic media does the 3490E Data Tape use?
The 3490E Data Tape uses a high-coercivity metal-particle (MP) magnetic coating on a polyester substrate, providing superior durability, high signal-to-noise ratio and reliable long-term data retention.
What is the typical shelf life of a 3490E Data Tape cartridge?
When stored under IBM-recommended conditions, a 3490E Data Tape cartridge maintains data integrity for up to 30 years, making it ideal for long-term archives and compliance requirements.
What environmental conditions are recommended for storing 3490E tapes?
Store 3490E cartridges at 10–50 °C (50–122 °F) and 20–80% relative humidity. Avoid exposure to strong magnetic fields, direct sunlight and rapid temperature or humidity fluctuations.
How many load/unload cycles can a 3490E Data Tape endure?
A 3490E Data Tape supports up to 10,000 load/unload cycles and over 100,000 tape passes, ensuring reliable operation for frequent backup and restore tasks.
Can 3490E Data Tapes be reused and reformatted?
Yes. 3490E cartridges are fully reusable and can be reformatted or overwritten using standard IBM 3490E drive initialization commands without degrading tape performance.
What cleaning procedures are required for 3490E tape drives?
Use an IBM-approved cleaning cartridge every 50 tape mounts or when the drive issues a cleaning alert. Follow IBM’s drive cleaning guidelines to preserve read/write head integrity and performance.
How can I optimize data integrity on 3490E Data Tapes?
Implement hardware compression judiciously, schedule regular drive cleanings, and run post-backup verification routines. Adhere to recommended handling and storage procedures for maximum data reliability.
What error rate can I expect with 3490E Data Tapes?
The 3490E Data Tape achieves an uncorrected bit error rate below 1×10⁻¹⁴, thanks to advanced ECC algorithms and precise head-to-tape alignment in IBM drives.
Where can I purchase certified 3490E Data Tape cartridges?
Purchase genuine 3490E Data Tapes from authorized IBM resellers, certified media distributors or IBM’s official e-commerce channels to ensure warranty coverage and media quality.
What are common failure modes of 3490E Data Tapes?
Typical failure modes include tape wear, head contamination, binder degradation and alignment drift. Adhering to cleaning schedules and environmental guidelines minimizes these risks.
How do I migrate data from 3490E tapes to modern formats?
Use compatible tape migration software and drives to read 3490E cartridges, then transfer data to modern formats such as LTO or IBM 3592. Validate each migration step with checksum verification.
Why is 3490E Data Tape ideal for mainframe environments?
The 3490E Data Tape combines high capacity, robust metal-particle media, backward compatibility with legacy drives and automated library support, making it a dependable choice for enterprise mainframe backup and archiving.