Version 0102-CY29 of the AIT-3 tape firmware is now available. This firmware release is considered mandatory for all AIT-3 customers, as it includes important drive enhancements.

The most notable change is an adjustment in the tension parameter for cleaning tapes. Sony found that the tension setting for cleaning tapes in AIT-3 drive was too low for adequate cleaning of the drive’s read/write heads. Over time, this will cause drives to remain dirty even after repeated cleaning. Without adequate cleaning, an increased number of read/write errors, end of media errors, end of media errors and drive unload problems can cause backup and restore failures. This new firmware increases the tension of cleaning media across the heads of the drive, ensuring an adequate cleaning pass each time a cleaning tape is inserted into the drive.

Also, prior to the release of this firmware, SONY AIT-3 drives would report on multiple LUNs in a pure SCSI-3 environment. This behavior did not impact the reliability of data stored to tape, but has been addressed to provide compliance with the SCSI-3 standard.

Hybinette and Spectra Logic will provide upgrade tapes free of charge to customers with a current support contract. Customers not currently under support can purchase a firmware upgrade tape for a nominal fee.

Fore more information on the firmware upgrade, please call 303-987-3771.