Our "E" stands for excellence

For the ultimate in mid-range and mainframe data interchange the M490E provides a fast, reliable way to access 3480, 3490 and 3490E cartridges. Not much larger than a shoe box, it has fully pressurised air bearings and recording head for precise tape guidance and virtually no tape wear.

When fitted with the 2X speed option, the ultra-compact M490E is able to fill an entire data cartridge in well under one minute. The M490E was designed for use in automated tape libraries which have to operate constantly with nearly 100% duty cycles. Available with FAST WIDE SCSI or dual channel FIPS (Block Multiplex Channel) interface it attaches to any of today's (or yesterdays) systems. The M490E is also available with multiple cartridge capability.

Outstanding performance

The explosion in data processing has emphasized the importance not only of how much data can be stored, but also how safe the data is, and how quickly data can be accessed or restored.

The M490E tape drive, part of the Twin Peak Series from M4 Data, has been specifically designed to meet these needs in contemporary operating environments and to cater to tomorrow. Using 18 or 36-track 1/2 inch cartridges, it brings outstanding performance and IBM-endorsed 3490E mainframe technology to midrange and workstation users, at a much lower price and in a compact 8-inch form factor.

Its superior technology and rugged construction guarantee long life, bringing certainty that data written today can be read far into the future. Its ability to read and write 18-track 3480 tapes enables older archives to be easily upgraded, and because it was designed for use with automated tape libraries, it allows unlimited expansion.

Why choose 3490E technology?

Because for important mainframe-class data it is the most proven, most resilient, most accepted and most widely used. It caters to the demanding backup requirements of the future and it guarantees faster operation than that provided by most other tape technologies. Add the fact that 3490E technology conforms to worldwide interchange standards, is accessible on most computers, from PCs through to mainframes, and provides long-term security of investment, and the choice is obvious.

Do you see the tape drive that you are looking for?  If so please contact us at 800-663-5523 or click here.

If you can't seem to find your drive, please click here?

Why choose the M490E drive?

Because, with this outstanding Twin Peaks product, M4 Data has redefined the possible. The M490E is from a design team that has a high, worldwide reputation in the field of data storage, and it offers more flexibility and high-end features than previously available in this class of product.

• True mainframe-class technology on your desk.
  
• Super-fast performance with optional 360 MB/min double-speed native data rate option.
  
• Fast Wide SCSI permits a burst rate of up to 20 MB/sec., and there is a FIPS (Block Multiplex Channel) interface option for mainframe direct attach. Connectivity from PCs through to mainframes.
  
• Capacity of 2.4 GB per cartridge with 3:1 IDRC compression/compaction.
  
• No-contact, pressurized, fixed-head 18 and 36-track read/write capability (>10,000 hrs head life). Avoids the short life and low data transfer rate of most helical-scan heads.
  
• Air bearings for kid-glove tape handling.
  
• No-compromise automated-library-class loading durability.
  
• The smallest drive in its class (5 in. high, 8.5 in. wide and 21.3 in. long).
  

Tape floats on air

Patented air bearings and a pressurized head ensure that the tape floats on air at all times, thereby virtually eliminating friction and stiction and making tape wear a thing of the past.

The air film is maintained at all tape speeds, even when the tape is stationary for a long period (which is not the case with aerodynamic air chutes). A reliable and quiet miniature rotary-vane pump powers the air system. For additional data integrity, it vacuums away any media debris from two tape conditioners and traps it in a sealed-for-life filtration unit.

Dependable loading

Where some tape drives are designed for occasional use, the M490E is intended for hard use, with a loading mechanism that is specifically designed for use in automated tape libraries. It is substantial and robust, with extended-life motors. The simple, dependable, single-sweep-loading mechanism brings the tape to ready in only 7 seconds.

Reliable, accessible and upgradeable

The Twin Peaks M490E requires no field adjustments, takes advantage of proven VLSI to minimize the parts count and, despite its compact size, has the best component accessibility of any drive in its class.

The unit can be used horizontally or vertically, in a desktop or rack-mount configuration and, as your system grows, the standard M490E can easily be upgraded to an M490L library system or used in other library configurations.

Reliability is such that there are no duty-cycle restrictions, and M4 Data backs this up with a two-year factory warranty.

Do you see the tape drive that you are looking for?  If so please contact us at 800-663-5523 or click here.

If you can't seem to find your drive, please click here?

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Please contact us at 800-663-5523 or click here  for Pricing, Inventory or to Request additional information on any product .