| Buying recycled tape media for your storage drives | | | | of what they are selling, the 'origin unknown' factor just |
| can be a smart way to reduce costs associated with | | | | doesn't sit well with some. |
| data storage. However, there are facts that you must | | | | Tape media doesn't last forever and does deteriorate |
| consider before choosing lower-cost recycled tape | | | | over time. With used products, one doesn't necessarily |
| storage. While some businesses regularly use recycled | | | | know how far along in its lifespan an individual used |
| tape media to meet their data storage needs, there | | | | cartridge is. High temperatures and humidity are both |
| are arguments against its use as well. | | | | factors that can shorten the lifespan, no matter its age. |
| Just like the audio tapes that you could re-record again | | | | If stored properly, new cartridges will generally last for |
| and again, computer data can be erased, resold, and | | | | 20 years. |
| reused. Companies that sell recycled tape storage | | | | Suppliers of used tape media often offer their own |
| such as Graham Magnetics and DTC buy used | | | | lifespan guarantees. Graham Magnetics for example |
| cartridges from businesses, then inspect, test, and | | | | offers a quality guarantee of 10 years while DTC |
| retest each individual cartridge and sell it as "like new." | | | | backs the quality of their cartridges for 5 years. If |
| Because these are not new, it's less expensive than | | | | you're serious about keeping your data for longer than |
| buying it as new. | | | | can be guaranteed by a recycled tape media provider, |
| If you do decide to use recycled data storage, it's | | | | then you may want to choose to purchase new |
| important that you choose a company that guarantees | | | | cartridges. |
| and certifies the quality. There is no industry standard | | | | The choice to use new or recycled depends on your |
| definition of "certified" when it comes to this type tape | | | | company's current situation. For a new, budget |
| storage. The value of the certification is essentially as | | | | conscious company, choosing recycled storage for its |
| strong as the reputation of the company that provides | | | | lower cost is far better than holding off on |
| the refurbished tape and marks it as certified. | | | | implementing a data storage solution because of the |
| The most prominent concern with purchasing used | | | | cost of new media. Plenty of companies have relied |
| tape media is that the end consumer has no idea | | | | on recycled tape media with no problems whatsoever, |
| where they originated or how it has been cared for. | | | | but ultimately you must balance the potential risks and |
| Though high-quality tape recycling companies | | | | rewards associated with new and used tape media |
| thoroughly test and hinge their reputation on the quality | | | | against your individual business strategy. |