IBM 3590
Encyclopedia
The IBM 3590 is a series of tape drive
s and corresponding magnetic tape data storage
media formats developed by IBM
. The first drive, having the IBM product number 3590, was introduced in 1995 under the nickname Magstar. The 3590 series of tape drives and media are not compatible with the IBM 3592
line of drives that replaced it. They can store up to 60 GB of data (uncompressed). This family superseded the IBM 3480 Family
of tape drives popular in 1980s and 1990s.
.
Like the 3480 and 3592 formats, this tape format has half inch tape spooled onto 4-by-5-by-1 inch data cartridges containing a single reel. A takeup reel is embedded inside the tape drive. Because of their speed, reliability, durability and low media cost, the 3590 tape drives are still in high demand. A hallmark of the genre is transferability. Tapes recorded with one tape drive are generally readable on another drive, even if the tape drives were built by different manufacturers. Magstar tapes and drives are available in 128, 256 and 384-track versions.
.
Tape drive
A tape drive is a data storage device that reads and performs digital recording, writes data on a magnetic tape. Magnetic tape data storage is typically used for offline, archival data storage. Tape media generally has a favorable unit cost and long archival stability.A tape drive provides...
s and corresponding magnetic tape data storage
Magnetic tape data storage
Magnetic tape data storage uses digital recording on to magnetic tape to store digital information. Modern magnetic tape is most commonly packaged in cartridges and cassettes. The device that performs actual writing or reading of data is a tape drive...
media formats developed by IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
. The first drive, having the IBM product number 3590, was introduced in 1995 under the nickname Magstar. The 3590 series of tape drives and media are not compatible with the IBM 3592
IBM 3592
The IBM 3592 is a series of tape drives and corresponding magnetic tape data storage media formats developed by IBM. The first drive, having the IBM product number 3592, was introduced under the nickname Jaguar. The next drive was the TS1120, also having the nickname Jaguar. As of June, 2011, the...
line of drives that replaced it. They can store up to 60 GB of data (uncompressed). This family superseded the IBM 3480 Family
IBM 3480 Family
The 3480 tape format is a magnetic tape data storage format developed by IBM. The tape is one half inch wide and is packaged in a 4"x5"x1" cartridge. The cartridge contains a single reel; the takeup reel is inside the tape drive....
of tape drives popular in 1980s and 1990s.
Like the 3480 and 3592 formats, this tape format has half inch tape spooled onto 4-by-5-by-1 inch data cartridges containing a single reel. A takeup reel is embedded inside the tape drive. Because of their speed, reliability, durability and low media cost, the 3590 tape drives are still in high demand. A hallmark of the genre is transferability. Tapes recorded with one tape drive are generally readable on another drive, even if the tape drives were built by different manufacturers. Magstar tapes and drives are available in 128, 256 and 384-track versions.
Drives
- 3590 B Model (3590 B11/B1A), 128 tracks
- 3590 E Model (3590 E11/E1A), 256 tracks
- 3590 H Model (3590 H11/H1A), 384 tracks
Media
| Tape length (m) | 3590 B Model | 3590 E Model | 3590 H Model | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "High-Performance" cartridge | 320 m | 10 GB | 20 GB | 30 GB |
| "Extended High-Performance" cartridge | 634 m | 20 GB | 40 GB | 60 GB |