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October 7, 2005
• Vol.27 Issue 40
Page(s) 13 in print issue
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The Ins & Outs Of Recertified Media
Once Old, But New Again
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 As in the private realm, business organizations too are seeking ways to reduce unnecessary expenditures. One cost-cutting measure offers IT managers the option of purchasing recertified media. Certainly there’s a monetary advantage when purchasing recertified media. So why the reluctance on the part of data center professionals? The hesitation is borne from the notion that recertified media is somehow lacking: unreliable, insecure, and therefore not cost-effective. Continued interest, however, along with positive user feedback, is beginning to reveal that those misconceptions may be misplaced.
 On The Pro Side
So why bother with used media? Foremost among the reasons is its cost-effectiveness. In today’s 24/7 business environment, turning to less expensive media can add up to real savings for an organization, especially if there’s a need for a large amount of media. According to Marvin Howell, vice president and general manager at the Graham Magnetics Division of eMag Solutions, “Tapes not meeting new tape performance standards are never sent to customers. In addition, we conduct no fewer than 10 additional tests to assure shells, leader blocks, clutch mechanisms, servo-tracks, etc. are up to those same new-tape standards.”
For some the decision to opt for refurbished media is made easier when that media is accompanied by an effective warranty. Of course, warranty-covered media that fails will nevertheless have to be replaced (even if it’s at no cost to the consumer).
Serious Considerations
Howell recommends that consumers keep some considerations in mind when making a decision about using recertified media. First, insist that the vendor provides published specifications and warranty on the recertified products it offers. Compare those published specifications to new tape of the same type to assure performance characteristics are compatible.
It’s also a good idea to visit the processing facility to verify the process and volume capabilities. If only part of the tape is recertified (overwritten), the security of that data from the previous user can be compromised. This is never acceptable. If a company claims to recertify every tape, given the time involved, does it have the hardware and staff to actually do what it claims it can?
You should also ask for references; talk to other users of recertified media from this vendor. And lastly, verify how the recertified tapes are identified as being recertified. There should be clear identification on each tape showing it to be recertified media. This keeps companies from being able to blend new and “non-new” tapes together in order to win a bid, and it provides the user with some assurance of what he is really buying.
Be Selective
According to Howell, upon closer inspection, you’ll learn that most companies do not actually recertify every tape they sell, but the terms used are close enough that users tend to put all “non-new” tape into the same bucket and call it “recertified.” Says Howell, “To our knowledge, Graham Magnetics is the only company that actually full length recertifies every piece of media we sell. When you see terms like reconditioned, remanufactured, and refurbished, beware and ask a lot of questions before proceeding.”
Like all storage media, tape products have a rated lifetime, which is directly affected by how much the tape has been used. Even though a tape may have been “cleaned up,” its life is not extended unless new tape itself has been installed. Another issue with the use of recertified media affects both security and confidentiality of any residual data remaining on the tape. Even when a tape has been reformatted, residual data may still remain. Lastly, mishandling of the tapes themselves is a cause for failure. When used tapes are sent to the recertifier, they are often sent in less than suitable packaging without proper cushioning. Damage to tapes in transit can result in data loss and tape jams. It is for these reasons that companies such as Imation do not recertify media, nor do they recommend using recertified media. 
by Douglas Schweitzer, Sc.D.
Seller Beware
While recycling used media may be good for the environment, it may not be so good for the security or confidentiality of your information assets, especially if that media contains sensitive information and you plan to sell your used media to a reseller. Before doing so, it's imperative that you take proper precautions. That means ensuring that cartridges are degaussed and erased completely.
In some cases, such as when degaussing a high capacity DLT cartridge, only a very high strength degausser will doand even then multiple passes through the degausser may be necessary. Unfortunately, such high capacity media will then be rendered useless, as the factory written servo pattern will be erased. You can avoid deletion of the servo pattern by using a written test pattern for the complete length of the tape to overwrite or remove data. |
Check The Track Record
Before you consider purchasing recertified media, determine if the company from which you wish to purchase is legitimate. Contact the Better Business Bureau; check with the SEC if the company is publicly held; or contact your local consumer affairs office or state attorney general’s office and request information about a company’s complaint history. |
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