🚀 go-pugleaf

In comp.arch.storage, sdm7g@aemsun.med.Virginia.EDU (Steven D. Majewski) writes:

>I have heard a rumor that there will soon be a 3-1/2 Magneto-Optical (R/W)
>optical disk with double capacity ( 256 MB/side ) released. 
>Does anyone have any real info? 

You are correct.  MOST is shipping this product now I think.  256 MB
standards for 3.5" are finishing up now.

>Also, I get the *impression* that 3-1/2 inch may become the preferred format.
>Are vendors actually doing more development on the smaller format ( at the 
>expense of the larger ) ? 

3.5 is driven by the need to support form factors popular in PC's and
workstations.  You will probably see most of the optical R/W products
delivered in this form factor.  5.25 seems to be emerging as the 
preferred form factor for autochangers, as you get better areal efficiency with
the larger media. 5.25 is also dual sided.  The really large form
factors (12 and 14 inch) are all WORM to my knowledge and remain the
preferred size for really LARGE applications. (Banks, Insurance, Feds, etc.)
 
>Does anyone have have comparative sales figures on 3-1/2 inch vs. 5-1/4 inch 
>drives. ( Actually, I'ld love to see sales figures for CD-ROMs, WORMs, and
>various tape formats if anyone has them! ) 

You might have to find someone taking the DataQuest or similar
such marketing info service.  I can't share these numbers because
we pay big bucks for them ourselves.  The market is growing, but not
as fast as everyone wants. 

>Is there any danger of the larger format becoming extinct? 
>What horse should I bet on, folks?

Depends on your app.  For the time being, either 5.25. or 3.5 are
safe bets for MO.

ED



>======== "If you have a hammer, find a nail" - George Bush,'91  =========
> Steven D. Majewski		University of Virginia Physiology Dept.
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