The IBM 3490E Tape Drive was first introduced in 1991 as an enhanced version of the 3480 tape drive read/write storage device product family. It has a 36-track head which is able to write or save data at speeds up to 800MB in size on a single tape. The IBM 3490E Tape Drive’s storage capacity can also be expanded using Improved Data Recording Capability (IDRC) which was also introduced and embedded previously in the 3480 tape drives. With the IDRC option, the IBM 3490E Tape Drive can hold up to 2400MB of data on a single extended tape. At the time of its release, that was a large amount of storage capacity available.
The IBM 3490E Tape Drive has the following advantages over other IBM tape drive products:
- Fastest access time in thread, load, and ready states
- Widest acceptance as an interchange standard
- Highest demonstrated data reliability
- Easy automated media handling
- Most robust tape cartridge
- Lowest cost media
- Long media shelf life of more than fifteen (15) years
Some IBM 3490E Tape Drive models can also read data tapes recorded by other IBM tape drive technologies including the 3480. This compatibility enables users to transfer files from tapes without using any additional hardware components. The user should only choose the right 3490E Tape Drive model for this type of compatibility. Below is the list of available IBM 3490E Models:
- IBM 3490E Models A10, A20, B20, B40, D41 and D42 in 1991
- IBM 3490E Models C10, C11 and C12 in 1992
- IBM 3490E Models E01 and E11 in 1994
- IBM 3490E Models F00, F01, F11 and F1A in 1997
The latest models are the IBM 3490E F models which were designed to provide outstanding tape subsystem performance, high cartridge capability, high read and write reliability performance, and high operation efficiency in facilitating remote tape operations.
