Storage Technology Corp has announced its first tape library for mid-range systems, the 9710. The company said mid-range users have come to expect higher power and better performance and claims the 9710 offers them mainframe style technology. Based on StorageTek’s 4890 36-track 3490E-compatible tape drive, it can be expanded from two to six 4890 drives. The basic unit contains 252 36-track tape cartridges in access ports that hold 14 cartridges and can be upgraded on site incrementally to 420 and 588 cartridges to store 1,400Gb. It attaches via an SCSI II connection. The entry-level model lists for $65,000 for the 252-slot version. It will be offered initially as an indirect and an OEM product.
