| Q1. |
When should I use the digital data storage (DDS) autoloader versus a single DDS drive? |
| A1. |
Use an autoloader at sites where there is no staff to rotate tapes and it is both simpler and less likely that the tapes would be overwritten or corrupted. Another time to use an autoloader is when there is a limited IT department to ease the number of their tasks to perform. |
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| Q2. |
What is the difference between digital data storage (DDS) and digital audio tape (DAT), and can you use DAT tapes with DDS drives? |
| A2. |
Digital Data Storage (DDS) is the format that was developed by HP and Sony to adapt the Digital Audio Tape (DAT) audio technology for data storage, which requires much higher data integrity. The term “DAT” is now most commonly applied to the data storage device and often used interchangeably with DDS. Although DDS and DAT are based on similar helical scan formats, DAT media is not of sufficient quality for data storage. DDS tape drives will reject DAT audio tapes. HP StorageWorks DAT Tape Autoloaders require media that carries the DDS format logo to demonstrate that it is of the quality suitable required for computer data storage. |
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| Q3. |
How does an industry standard tape format specification benefit customers? |
| A3. |
Organizations can no longer afford to buy products that don’t work together, that aren’t reliable or readily available. The DDS tape format provides a framework in which customers can reap all the benefits of competition: more innovation in products, lower prices, and added value features. Multiple competing manufacturers for both drive and media assure supply and value. The industry standard specification ensures seamless media interchange between different drives. |
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| Q4. |
Why should I choose HP DDS media, how long can I store the tapes and still recover the data when I need it? |
| A4. |
HP branded media undergoes regular additional testing on a batch-by-batch basis to ensure high quality. Other vendors test to the DDS media specification, but HP does not stop there. We also test extensively in the areas of shock, vibration, and durability. For more details, please consult the HP website, “Why use HP media?” on:
http://www.hp.com/go/storagemedia.
Tests have shown that if DDS tapes are stored correctly, the data retention life is at least 10 years. It seems likely that the actual data retention life is considerably longer. |
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| Q5. |
What’s so special about HP StorageWorks One Button Disaster Recovery (OBDR)? |
| A5. |
All other disaster recovery solutions for PCs rely on the manual preparation of a set of disaster recovery floppy disks and/or CDs. The minute your system changes -- a new piece of software or a new peripheral is added, for example -- these disaster recovery disks are out of date. With OBDR, you can automatically save your latest configuration every time you make a standard backup tape. Likewise, other solutions require a manual system recovery -- a process that takes time and extensive technical knowledge. If it is not done properly, you run the risk of further system failures. With OBDR, you will never have to perform a manual system recovery -- ensuring you, and your colleagues can quickly get back to business. You can quickly, reliably and simply restore your entire system just by inserting the most recent backup tape and pushing one button on the tape drive. Your HP StorageWorks DAT Tape Autoloader will restore your operating system, configuration, applications, drivers and data files.
The sheer simplicity of OBDR means the risk of a user error during recovery, and therefore subsequent recovery failure, is significantly reduced.
Read more about HP OBDR on our website at:
http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storageworks/drs/index.html |
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| Q6. |
Are all HP StorageWorks DAT Tape Autoloaders supported by HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools? |
| A6. |
Yes, HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools (L&TT) provide diagnostic support for all HP StorageWorks DAT Tape Autoloaders. In addition to diagnostic and troubleshooting abilities, L&TT lets you access useful information about the product and automatically check the web for the latest firmware. L&TT can be downloaded from the following URL:
http://www.hp.com/support/tapetools |
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| Q7. |
Will OBDR work on any Intel-based server with any backup application? |
| A7. |
It is impossible to say that all servers can support OBDR. HP StorageWorks One Button Disaster Recovery relies on the system BIOS and HBA BIOS to correctly position the CD-ROM at the top of the boot order when boot from disk is not possible. The backup application must also recognize that the tape drive is OBDR-compatible to ensure that the disaster recovery image is created and loaded onto the tape at each full backup. HP's comprehensive compatibility program tests a broad range of servers and software, including their support for OBDR. Check your specific server-software combination on our compatibility website: http://www.hp.com/go/connect. |
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