Risks of hardware-compressed data
Dan Langille schrieb:
There was a recent discussion of hardware versus software compression.
In general, I recommend hardware compression, unless your software can
keep up with your tape drive.
Is all hardware compression compatible?
Given a tape containing compressed data, can it be restored using any
compatible tape from from any manufacturer? In short, is all
compression equal and reversible?
I think the Data Compression method (LTO-DC) is part of the LTO spec.
So all drives should be able to read the tapes...
http://www.ultriumlto.com/faq.htm
Q12: What are the backward compatibility characteristics of the
Ultrium format?
A12: The Ultrium LTO compatibility is defined with two concepts
demonstrating investment protection:
1) An Ultrium drive is expected to read data from a cartridge in its
own generation and at least the two prior generations.
2) An Ultrium drive is expected to write data to a cartridge in its
own generation and to a cartridge from the immediate prior generation
in the prior generation format.
For example:
- An Ultrium format Generation 3 drive will read and write data on an
Ultrium format Generation 2 cartridge as specified by the Generation
2 format and read data on an Ultrium format Generation 1 drive.
- An Ultrium format Generation 2 drive will read and write data on
an Ultrium format Generation 1 cartridge as specified by the
Generation 1 format.
Ralf
