General question on tape media

[MattJpopo]

I have been given the task of revamping our backup plan. I have a question on tape life expectancy. We use 20GB/40GB 4mm data tapes on a 2 week rotation. Incremental backups M-TH and normal backup F. With this schedule what would a safe tape replacement schedule be? I have been researching and found answers from 6 months to 18 months?

Being as how our backup schedule is not unique I was wondering when others that have a similar backup schedule retire their old tapes.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[gwichman]

I'd suggest talking to the tape and tape drive manufacturers for that information. That should be far more accurate then asking someone in a forum like this.