> Does make one wonder why not disk robots? The disks are the same size, support random access, and can be hot swapped. For long term storage, it's unlikely th

> Does make one wonder why not disk robots? The disks are the same size, support random access, and can be hot swapped. For long term storage, it's unlikely that disks will last as long as tapes. All the electronic and mechanical components of a disk drive must still work in order for you to be able to retrieve data, and it's somewhat likely that if you just stick a drive on a shelf for ten years some percent won't be working afterwards. For tapes, the separation of electronics from the actual storage medium itself means better maintainability; you can rpelace the tape drive without touching the cartridges.