Data storage tape with random access data
Arrangements relate to a data storage system. The data storage system can include a data storage tape. The data storage tape can be arranged in a concertina format. In such a format, the data storage tape can include a plurality of tape segments. Each tape segment can be separated from a neighboring tape segment by a fold. In some arrangements, the data storage tape arranged in a concertina format can be received within a housing.
1. A data storage tape, comprising:
a plurality of tape segments arranged in a concertina format; and
a first end tape segment including a file allocation table, wherein
each tape segment is separated from a neighboring tape segment by a fold.
2. The data storage tape of claim 1 , wherein
the plurality of tape segments have substantially equal lengths.
3. The data storage tape of claim 1 , further comprising
a second end tape segment including a second file allocation table.
4. The data storage tape of claim 1 , wherein
the plurality of tape segments include a first fold side defined by a plurality of folds, and
a machine-readable indicia is provided on the plurality of folds on the first fold side.
5. The data storage tape of claim 4 , wherein
the machine-readable indicia is binary encoding.
6. The data storage tape of claim 4 , wherein
the data storage tape is magnetic tape.
7. A method for non-sequential access of data from a data storage tape, comprising:
non-sequentially accessing an identified data area of the data storage tape; and
selectively reading data from or writing data within the tape storage tape within the identified data area, wherein
the data storage tape includes a plurality of tape segments arranged in a concertina format, and
each tape segment is separated from a neighboring tape segment by a fold.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein
the data storage tape includes a first end tape segment including a file allocation table.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein
the non-sequentially accessing includes selectively releasing a portion of the data storage tape such that the identified data area of the data storage tape is presented in a read/write zone.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein
one tape segment at a time is released.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein
a plurality of tape segments are released together.