United States
Q
What is an SLR50 Data Tape?
A
The SLR50 Data Tape is a magnetic tape cartridge in the SLR series designed for dependable linear recording, backup and long-term archiving of critical data.
Q
What are the storage capacities of SLR50 Data Tape?
A
An SLR50 Data Tape holds 50 GB of native data and up to 100 GB with 2:1 hardware compression, enabling efficient use of tape library resources.
Q
What data transfer rates does SLR50 support?
A
SLR50 delivers a sustained native transfer rate of up to 5 MB/s (10 MB/s compressed), ensuring consistent performance for backup and restore operations.
Q
What is the data retention life of SLR50 Data Tape?
A
When stored under recommended conditions, SLR50 Data Tapes reliably retain data for 15 to 30 years, meeting long-term archival requirements.
Q
Which tape drives are compatible with SLR50 Data Tape?
A
SLR50 cartridges are fully compatible with Exabyte SLR4800/SLR5000/SLR5100 drives and other SLR-series tape libraries that support SLR format cartridges.
Q
Is SLR50 backward-compatible with earlier SLR formats?
A
Yes. SLR50 can be read and written in any SLR-series drive configured for 50 GB media, while older drives may require a firmware update for full compatibility.
Q
How durable is the SLR50 tape media?
A
SLR50 tapes withstand over 100,000 passes through a tape drive, resist dust and humidity, and meet industrial shock and vibration specifications for reliable operation.
Q
What is the recommended shelf life and usage cycle for SLR50?
A
Under climate-controlled storage (18–22 °C, 20–50% RH), SLR50 tapes maintain data integrity for up to 10 years unused and support thousands of load/unload cycles.
Q
How should I store and handle SLR50 Data Tapes?
A
Store SLR50 tapes upright in a cool, dry environment (18–22 °C, 20–50% RH), away from magnetic fields. Handle cartridges by the edges to avoid contaminating the tape.
Q
Can I use SLR50 Data Tape for critical data archiving?
A
Yes. SLR50 is designed for mission-critical archiving, offering proven reliability, high capacity and long data retention for regulatory and compliance needs.
Q
How does SLR50 compare to LTO-1 tape technology?
A
SLR50 offers similar native capacity (50 GB) and competitive cost, but with lower sustained throughput (5 MB/s vs. 20 MB/s). It remains a cost-effective solution for small to mid-tier archives.
Q
What is the typical cost per gigabyte for SLR50 tapes?
A
SLR50 cartridges typically range from $40 to $60 each, translating to under $1.20 per GB of native capacity and under $0.60 per GB compressed.
Q
Are there any maintenance requirements for SLR50 tapes?
A
No special maintenance is needed. Periodically clean the drive heads with manufacturer-approved cleaning cartridges and run drive diagnostics to verify tape health.
Q
How can I verify data integrity on SLR50 Data Tape?
A
Use your backup software’s media scan or verification feature and perform periodic test restores. Drive diagnostics utilities also report CRC and block error rates.
Q
Where can I purchase genuine SLR50 Data Tapes?
A
Purchase authentic SLR50 tapes from authorized Exabyte resellers, certified distributors or reputable online enterprise media suppliers to ensure reliability and warranty coverage.
Q
What warranty and support options are available for SLR50?
A
SLR50 cartridges include a one-year limited manufacturer warranty. Extended service contracts, priority support and replacement programs are available through Exabyte partners.
