Worm (Write Once, Read Many) Cartridges; Worm Media; Data Security On Worm Media; Worm Media Errors - IBM TS3100 Setup, Operator, And Service Manual

WORM (Write Once, Read Many) cartridges

Certain records retention and data security applications require a Write Once, Read Many (WORM)
method for storing data on tape. The LTO Ultrium 3 and later drives enable WORM support when a
WORM tape cartridge is loaded into the drive.

WORM media

Because standard read/write media are incompatible with the WORM feature, a specially formatted
WORM tape cartridge (see Figure 144) is required. Each WORM cartridge has a unique, worldwide
cartridge identifier (WWCID), which comprises the unique CM chip serial number and the unique tape
media serial number. Ultrium 8 WORM cartridges are two-tone burgundy and silvery gray. See
"Ordering media supplies" on page 182 for information about how to choose and purchase the
appropriate WORM tape cartridges for your tape drive.
Figure 144. Ultrium Data and WORM Tape Cartridges

Data security on WORM media

Certain built-in security measures help ensure that the data written on a WORM cartridge does not
become compromised. For example:
v The format of a WORM Tape Cartridge is unlike that of standard read/write media. This unique
format prevents a drive that lacks WORM-capable firmware from writing on a WORM tape cartridge.
For LTO 8, native data capacity is 12 TB and compressed data capacity is 30 TB.
v When the drive senses a WORM cartridge, the firmware prohibits the changing or altering of user data
that is already written on the tape. The firmware keeps track of the last appendable point on the tape.

WORM media errors

The following conditions cause WORM media errors to occur:
v Information in the servo manufacturer's word (SMW) on the tape must match information from the
cartridge memory (CM) module in the cartridge. If it does not match, a media Error Code 7 posts on
the drive's single-character display (SCD).
v Inserting a WORM tape cartridge into a drive that is not compatible with WORM causes the cartridge
to be treated as an unsupported medium. The drive reports a media Error Code 7. Upgrading the drive
firmware to the correct code level resolves the problem.

WORM requirements

To add WORM capability to your IBM LTO Ultrium 8 drives, you must use either IBM Ultrium 8 12 TB
WORM tape cartridges or IBM Ultrium 7 6 TB WORM tape cartridges. See "Ordering media supplies" on
page 182.
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Ultrium media