DLT and tape industry news...
Unit Shares Shifting
Eight-millimeter libraries again captured top volume position in the tape library market,commanding a 43% share of 1997 unit shipments, up 2% from the previous year. This position should be bolstered in future years thanks to added 8-millimeter demand generated by AIT and Magstar MP libraries. DLT models surged to a 36% share of this growing market, up an impressive 11% from 1996, aided by recent increases in capacity and performance. DAT libraries continued to hold third spot, at 10%, and grew in total volume, but tumbled from their 19% share of the 1996 market. According to Abraham, "Delays in availability of DDS-3 drives and incursions by DLT libraries, plus the future impact of AIT and QIC libraries, have caused a substantial lowering of our projection for DAT libraries in future years....."
Revenue Rankings Quite Different
The much higher prices commanded by half-inch cartridge tape libraries propelled them to a wide lead in industry revenues. These models accounted for the majority of library revenue, at 57%, even though this figure dropped from a dominating 76% in 1996. "Large capacity, high transfer rates, and fully standardized media and interchange formats account for the popularity of these products," observed Abraham. A shift to smaller configurations will constrain revenue growth, however.
DLT units strengthened their grip on second rank in the industry, vaulting to a 23% share of 1997 revenues, up 9% from the year before. By 2002, DLT will have moved to the lead position in tape library revenue. Eight-millimeter machines retained third position, boosting revenue share from 6% to 14%, augmented by recent AIT and Magstar MP shipments....
businesswire.com
The Freeman & Associates web site breaks down the manufacturers and their products in each category, i.e., 1/2 inch, 8mm, DAT, etc...
freemaninc.com |
