1) The cost of the tapes (the "Tape Media") is reasonably priced. 4mm DAT tapes can be found for about $15 each, where other tapes may cost $40 or more. Having enough tapes for all your backups is vital; the standard system we recommend involves 12 tapes. This would cost $440 for these 12 tapes on a less expensive tape system, and only around $150 for a DAT system. It gets better. Each year, it is strongly suggested that 16 tapes be replaced, and new tapes be put into service. For DAT users, this should cost around $210. For more expensive media, this would cost about $600. Over time, DAT is much less expensive to use.

2) DAT tapes hold more than less expensive tape devices, especially in the DDS-3 (8/12 Gig) and DDS-4 (12/24 Gig) range. This should allow a single tape to backup the entire system. Lesser tape systems may take two or more tapes for the same backup. Again, this is a savings.

3) 4mm DAT tapes are small and simple to manage. This may not seem like much, until you are juggling 12 tapes in a cramped server area.

4) DAT technology is standardized for small to medium office backup systems. DAT systems, from DDS-1 to DDS-4, are supported by major manufactures and is clearly the preferred technology. This cannot be said of competing tape systems.

For no-hassle backups with the standard preferred by the industry itself, DAT simply wins.