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$100 is definitely not "basically zero". Not only that, but a $5k tape drive and tapes are designed to last a significantly longer period of time, essentially b

$100 is definitely not "basically zero". Not only that, but a $5k tape drive and tapes are designed to last a significantly longer period of time, essentially bringing the cost of long-term storage closer to $0/year than your option of spending $100/year.

aidenn0 6y ago
It's 50 years before $100/year catches up with a one-time cost of $5k. On top of that, the total capacity of the mediumgoes up steadily over time, while you will need to drop another $5k every 10 years or so or span your backups across multiple tapes.
- sgt 6y ago
  In reality I am sure he could get away with buying a new drive every 5 years.
stratosgear 6y ago
5k amortized at 100/year is 50 years to get your money's worth. It seems 100/year is a much better deal. I don't see your math working out...
- webmobdev 6y ago
  That's assuming a consumer tape drive will cost that much. They'll succeed only if they cost less than $500. Enterprisey stuffs are always costly. Just like consumer grade HDDs vs entrprise HDDs.
chrisseaton 6y ago
> a $5k tape drive and tapes are designed to last a significantly longer period of time You're going to use the drive for 50 years? 50 years? Half a century? And you think it'll be working and supporting a format with a useful capacity in half a century?