Short answer: ordering them initialized means you don't have to write the internal label when you get them (label libv).
Long answer: TSM requires a standard IBM tape (internal) label to be written at the beginning of the tape before they are used the first time. If you order the tapes initialized, you receive them with that label already written. If you order the tapes uninitialized, you must write the internal label by running LABEL LIBV. Or, if you set your tape library to AUTOLABEL=YES, TSM will write the label automatically on any uninitialized tapes the first time they are used. In this case, it Just Doesn't Matter which way you order them. W -----Original Message----- From: ADSM: Dist Stor Manager [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Loy, Mark W Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 9:28 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [ADSM-L] 3592 JB Tapes Initialized or Not? OK, I hate to admit this but when purchasing 3592JB media, the question is always asked, "Do you want them initialized?" What exactly does "initialized" mean as far as 3592JB cartridges are concerned and why would I want or not want them initialized? I've searched online and cannot seem to find an answer. TSM 5.5.3 TS3500 Library 3592-E05 Drives Mark W Loy | Network Administrator - 1 PA Department of Transportation Bureau of Infrastructure and Operations
