IBM researchers today announced they have demonstrated a world
record in data density on linear magnetic tape, showing that one
of the computer industry's oldest and still most affordable data
storage technologies has the potential to provide increased
capacity for years to come. The researchers at IBM's Almaden
Research Center in San Jose, Calif., packed data onto a test
tape at a density of 6.67 billion bits per square inch -- more
than 15 times the data density of today's most popular industry
standard magnetic tape products. To achieve this feat they
created several new data-recording technologies and worked with
Fuji Photo Film of Japan to develop a next-generation dual-coat
magnetic tape capable of storing high-density data. The
demonstration shows that magnetic tape data storage should be
able to maintain its cost advantage over other technologies for
years to come. When these new technologies and tape become
available in products - projected to be in about five years - a
cartridge the size of an indus