Do we still need jukeboxes? Do you have one?

In a recent article in Infonomics I postulated that there many not be any need for data jukeboxes. Please take a look at the article entitled "The Imaging Jukebox Blues" http://www.aiim.org/infonomics/imaging-jukebox-blues.aspx and send us your insights on data jukeboxes. Do you still have a jukebox? Do you have a special requirement for jukeboxes. Are you going through a transition from jukebox to raid?

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Permalink Reply by Robert Blatt on July 28, 2009 at 4:17pm: Rich

I read your article and had a few thoughts to share. The use of optical media is for long term storage where it is important that the information is stored in a non-alterable and trustworthy environement. This is commonly required for regulated companies and other organizations following regulations, codes, etc. The use magnetic to perform most of the basic WORM functions available with magnetic storage can be accomplished, but the users must be cautious to make sure their storage environment can be considered trustworthy. ISO 15801 that is currently in the final publication stage within ISO and AIIM ARP 1 - 2009 provide detailed information on this topic.

I think the bigger question is related to what constitutes a trusted system and what does not meet the criteria as related to storage technologies. The discussion of storage technologies and trusted systems has been woefully neglected in our industry and we need to bring those discussions to the forefront as all electronic records and documents are stored at some point and we need to ensure we have systems that we can rely upon as we move into the future.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rich Payne on July 28, 2009 at 4:29pm: I agree with what you say. We store all our information on DVDs for Disaster Recovery along with tape. We just don't use the jukebox anymore. I think the point about trustworthy environment is well taken and from my latest audits the auditing community also thinks so. Most auditors will tell you that the biggest problems are basic DR procedures. I was involved with the purchase of a small bank and when I asked them if they had a backup copy of their images they said yes that everything is backed up on a server. When I asked which server they said that they only had one and it was used for production and backup. What if that server dies, I asked them and they replied “That is a really good server”. I had them make two tapes before I left. In another merger I found a bank with a DOS based check imaging system using 12” glass platters with no backup at all. Scary.; ▶ Reply to This