IBM 342 7208 Service Manual page 40

2.4 Operating in Harsh Environments
The 7208 Tape Drive is ideally suited to streaming operations, as opposed to multiple stop-and-start, random-search tape operations.
When the tape is used for frequent stop-and-start operations, it is beneficial to still have as much streaming movement as possible. This
can be accomplished by ensuring that any save or restore operation is the only active operation being performed.
Do not use as an archival tape any tape that has been used outside of the ranges specified in Figure 13 in topic 2.3 for an extended
period of time. The magnetic and physical strength of the tape will have deteriorated as a result of its exposure to the environment. Do not
store important data on such a tape; transfer the data to a newer tape for reliable archiving.
7208 Tape Drive Service Guide
Operating in Harsh Environments
¦ Copyright IBM Corp. 1998
2.4 - 1