Avax International, a provider of high performance hardware and software storage products focused on data protection, has announced the availability of the FlashTape drive—a “plug-and-play” replacement for legacy tape drives that writes to readily available flash cards instead of magnetic tape. 

FlashTape units are available with SCSI or Pertec interface and are targeted at systems that require a specific tape technology. Such drives include 9-track, 3480/3490, QIC, 8mm, DAT or DLT drives. Data is stored on an industry standard Compact Flash (CF) card, which can be easily removed, and treated as a replacement for the tape cartridge. The FlashTape allows the user to continue with the existing hardware and software while replacing fragile and often hard to get tape with readily available flash cards. 

FlashTape offers a complete tape emulation with no moving parts and no read/write head to clean. The problem of “shoe-shining” where the tape drive continually has to reposition if the data does not arrive at the tape drive quickly enough is completely eliminated, as are long rewind and search times. 

FlashTape units can be used in seismic applications which require large block sizes. 

FlashTape units support Compact Flash, XD, MMC, Microdrive, Memory Stick or SD card (via suitable PCMCIA adaptor). FlashTape units are available as tray mount to replace internal tape drives, as standalone desktop units or in rack mount configuration. 

For further information visit http://www.avax.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or write to him at Avax International, PO Box 542, Hillsburgh, ON N0B 1Z0, Canada, phone 647-367-1039 and 800-443-4542.