Another issue to be aware of is "backhitch time". When your data stream is too slow, the drive has to stop, back up a bit, and continue writing. Magstar drives excel at this, which is why they are touted for HSM and VTS on the mainframe. LTO drives are much poorer at this. Most applications for LTO are "write mostly", like straight backup.
Also, Magstar drives are more versatile. They can be upgraded from one tape density to another (B to E), you can change their interface from SCSI to FC, etc. Then can also be used in mixed mainframe/open environments. LTO drives are generally locked into their original configuration (remains to be seen what happens when next generation density comes out). There is a performance paper out there somewhere on Magstar vs. LTO performance. _____________________________ William Mansfield Senior Consultant Solution Technology, Inc 630 357 7744 x338 Zosimo Noriega To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <znoriega@ADN cc: OC.COM> Subject: 3590E1A vs IBM LTO Sent by: "ADSM: Dist Stor Manager" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] RIST.EDU> 10/21/2001 04:36 AM Please respond to "ADSM: Dist Stor Manager" We are planning to upgrade ADSM to TSM 4.1 and then currently we are using 3494 library with 4 3590B1A drives. Then, we are looking to upgrade or replace the drives into 3590E1A or IBM LTO. Anybody can share from the experience using these drives. and which is the best in terms of performance, availability, cost, data transfer rate, capacity, etc..... thanks a lot in advance. reagrds, Zosi Noriega A D N O C IST-ITD DMSS Tel - 6024987