"Paul H. Christidis" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>We are getting a 2GB DDS DAT drive (# C2478SZ) or an upgraded 2-8GB
>(upgrade from standard C2477SZ) and I have the following questions:
>
>1.  What is the part number for the corresponding tape media?
>
>2.  Are there any non HP sources for comparable media? any comments?
 
We use DDS tapes from other sources quite reliably. I think we currently
are using Sony and Maxell. The important thing is that the tapes be DDS,
not DAT, and that they have Media Recognition System.
 
>3.  Any recommendations on tape lengths?
 
90m works for our backups, but we limit ourselves to 60m for sending
off-site, because we cannot be sure what model of drive the recipient
will have.
 
>4.  Any recommendations on cleaning cartridges?
 
By all means use one. The HP cartridge seems to do a good job for us.