Out with the unreliable tracks and in with the technologically advanced packets. If you aren't sure what the benefits of writing in data packets are, you'll want to read on.

The biggest problem associated with tape backups has been resolved with data packets because it totally changes the way tape backups write and read data.

VXA technology breaks data into small packets with each packet being assigned its own unique address and an error correction code. Strings of data are then written to the tape.

VXA packet drives are the only backup that is able to write perfect data 100% of the time using the "perfect write" system. The writing head during each rotation records a pair of azimuth packets.

A second head trails behind, thus it is called a reading head. It reads the data packets that have been written to the tape and if it finds any inaccuracies in the data the corrupt packet is re-written on the fly. In conventional systems, the tape was either re-written or rewound to the area of the track where the data was inaccurately written. This wore out the tape faster and increased the time it took to create a backup.

The ability to correct errors on the fly has resulted in a very efficient process that means backing up now takes a fraction of the time it once did. Now you have a backup that takes far less time to create and it is guaranteed to be 100% accurate.

When data is being written and read, the drive doesn't have to read and write micro track geometries while keeping the tape aligned. Rather, the multiple heads scan the entire surface of the tape. This multiple scanning is called "over-scanning" and its job is to make sure that every packet of data can be read and restored, even if the tape is severely damaged. VXA tape technology is the most reliable data backup solution on the market.

Digital data packet technology isn't new. It's how data is transferred on the Internet. And now it has been introduced to the world of tape backups.

There are plenty of benefits to writing in data packets. Finally, we have a tape backup system that is both reliable and affordable with plenty of options. Today there is no reason not to have a perfect data backup.

Watch the VXA Technology virtual tour.