Tape Libraries with Automatic Reel Transport
Eckart Lennemann · 1978
The majority of data processing systems are still tape-oriented. Large response times, low access frequencies and batch processing characterize this type of application. Cost considerations generally lead to magnetic tapes being used as data storage devices in preference to magnetic disks, even when their use prevents application of direct data access methods. Analysing the system aspect of a tape-oriented application, it is tempting to conceive a tape library with an automatic reel transport system. With such a system, all magnetic tapes with a reasonable usage factor would be stored in a suitable reel transport system equipped with a read/write station and the whole system housed in a single unit, connected to the central processor.