IMdrive Data Interchange Software
This is a data interchange utility for anyone who needs the ability to read practically any tape format - from the normal tape interchange formats to practically any backup or save format*.
For a complete list of supported formats, Click Here.
IMdrive for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME
IMdrive is extremely easy to use, through a simple Windows interface, files from virtually any SCSI storage media can be automatically retrieved and converted to your PC's hard disk or network server.
Conversely, output to any media is provided by a number of industry-standard backup formats.
Available Features include:
Automatic format recognition
Due to the complexity of some media formats, a facility to auto-detect almost any tape or disk format inserted the drive has been developed; the need for any special training has now been completely removed.
Console output
Prior to copying, files may be viewed to a buffered console display, switchable to either ASCII, EBCDIC or Hexadecimal.
Double Duplication
An advanced duplication feature enables two separate output tapes to be duplicated concurrently from a single output.
Directory Structure Retention
For many formats, path names and long filenames can be retained on output to the target media.
Batch Processing
IMdrive may be driven from the DOS shell command-line, enabling processing to be accomplished remotely via powerful user-defined batch routines.
Unzipping
In many cases files stored on tape or disk are compressed by the originator using the widely adopted PKZIP method. at the users discretion IMdrive is able to detect and decompress these files automatically.
Data Manipulation (Record Reformatter)
As well as a standard feature to convert EBCDIC to ASCII, an additional option, the Record reformatter, provides IMdrive with an extremely powerful database record reformatting program. Records can be defined and subsequently re-defined allowing field locations to be totally re-mapped to a new output structure. This includes a facility to unpack binary numbers from many diverse systems including IBM, ICL, DEC VAX, etc.
Standard Features Include:
Windows 95/85/NT/200/ME compliant
Adaptec ASPI compatible
Support for virtually any SCSI
Drive
Directory Structure retention
Easy to install & use
No training required
New formats constantly being added
Comprehensive on-line Help
Automatic drive detection
Unlabelled tape support
Tape Scanning and analysis
Tape duplication and dataset stacking
Compression
Event Log
IMdrive
is sold in modular format, so you can choose only the modules that you need:
BASE MODULE:
ALL available read formats - (see list for available formats), Automatic Format Selection, Scan Tape, View Tape
Wizard - The software wizard will help the user on a simple step
by step basis perform the basic operations of this software. For new, or
infrequent users, it may prove extremely useful in reading and writing
tapes. For more experienced users, this stage may be skipped.
Automatic format recognition - Due to the complexity of some
media recording formats, a facility to auto-detect almost any format has
been provided. In most cases the need for any special knowledge of how
the original media was written has been removed.
OPTIONAL MODULES:
ALL available write formats including - Labelled, Unlabelled, Unix TAR/CPIO and NT Backup
Tape to tape duplication - Tape to tape duplication - Provides
a way of copying 'bit for bit' any tape to any other tape within the boundaries
of the output medium. All block sizes and filemarks will remain identical.
It also incorporates the stacking functions for copying single or multiple
datasets on to higher capacity media, i.e. multiple 3480s to one 3590.
Tape libraries - Sequential and non-sequential libraries/autoloaders
are supported.
Automatic Running - This feature allows the parameters of a conversion
job to be stored in an internal database and can be recalled at any time.
This will include the tape format, disk output directory and any complex
data conversion carried out on the file. It will make operation within
a production environment very easy and repetitive conversion tasks can
be kept identical. Many current IMdrive customers use this feature extensively
and have 300-400 entries in their Automatic Running database. The feature
will also make it possible for unskilled operators to run jobs that have
been previously set up.
Remote commands - A simple script language that allows a specific
routine or job to be run from an icon on the desktop. Alternatively, these
scripts can be generated from third-party programs and thus allow control
of IMdrive remotely and discreetly. Automatic Running enhances some of
these processes.
Record Reformatter - Comprehensive data conversion utility, necessary
in some circumstances to convert IBM packed EBCDIC and ASCII numbers, numeric
fields, and generally re-structure complex record structures.
CD writing - Tapes are read onto the hard disk, and the software
will then automatically create a CD. When the tape is larger than the CD
capacity, the files are split to fit the CD. If a file is too large for
a CD the user is offered the of zipping the file, or splitting it. The
option allows for simple tape to CD in one keystroke. It will work with
the Automatic Running to ensure the relevant data conversion is applied.
CD printer - On automated CD jukeboxes that support an internal
printing function, unique job references and styles may be printed on to
the surface of the CD. This is particularly useful in a production environment
where there is a need to uniquely distinguish datasets on the output.
Remote commands
Tape initialisation -This will add magnetic tape labels to tapes.
The label could be entered by hand, or a sequential number, or read from
a barcode reader. Operation with tape libraries is supported. A database
of valid label numbers can be set up to ensure that only relevant IDs are
used.
Media testing - This will test the media and report the number
of errors detected. The testing can be read only, or write only. Thresholds
can be set to abort the tests of a poor tape. Tape may be tested for the
whole tape, a specified number of blocks, or a period of time. The block
size may be entered. On labelled tapes, the initial volume label will be
retained.
Supported SCSI Drives
| 1/2" 9-track |
3480/90/9OE |
8mm |
4mm DAT |
| 1/4" QIC |
DLT |
Syquest |
Iomega Zip/Jazz |
System Requirements/Compatibility
- Pentium 133+ & 16MB+ RAM
- Windows 95, 98 or NT
- ASPI Host Adapter
We also offer data interchange tape drives & tape jukebox. Click here for more information.
