Sony drives use write-once function

Beginning in July, Sony Electronics' new second- and third-generation Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT) drives will incorporate write-once-read-many (WORM) recording functionality. Specially marked corresponding AIT media will allow for nonrewritable, nonerasable electronic data storage. Building WORM functionality into its AIT-2 and AIT-3 drives and media will help customers address the additional data protection requirements imposed by governmental agencies and certain commercial applications, according to the company. With WORM, the AIT-2 and AIT-3 drives and media can limit accidental or intentional erasure of data, enable time and date authentication, and facilitate quick search and retrieval of archived files, providing extra security protection for stored data. AIT WORM media, which has an estimated 30-year archival life, is identified with a bright red cover, as well as a special graphics design and logotype stamped onto the cartridge. AIT-2 and AIT-3 drives will provide backward compatibility for both WORM and traditional rewritable media.