I don't think that DAT was really developed for data backup, as the name is Digital Audio Tape, and is therefore better at streaming in long stripes. If you look at professional Dat recorders they cost ~$10,000 for a studio model. These machines handle the tape in a fashion that can support shuttling without exessive wear. consider the cost of the transport mech in a $1000 backup system and it is REALLY inferior.
Yes i know there are field recorders cheaper and smaller than the 5 1/4" data models, but they dont do shuttling. Things like DLT were developed for the express purpose of data backup and retrieval. If I had the money, (yeah right!) Id go that way if I was so concerned about it.

If you use DATs and they work for you, you obviously have a system and practice that is suited to them. I don't have anything against data DATs, but I use mine for audio. Or I would if I didn't have an empeg!

Murray 06000047
I don't think, therefore I am not.