CompuServe Messages

That depends on the rates and the estimated time to complete the task. They have stated that the data is stored on a WORM optical disk, so I don't think it's been destroyed. I learned from a friend of mine at the corporation for which I worked that a read of 5.5 MB and save to a 1.3 GB tape would take about 5 minutes and that a blank tape of this type would cost about $5.00. They are supposed to be using a Sun workstation and Unix, so such an operation would be simple. BUT, I'd still need to find a way to read the data off such a tape. They are now claiming that they have no tape drives available at their facility, though one technician let slip that apparently their facility IS tied to other GE facilities through a proprietary Ethernet network. I have NO idea how long it would take to transfer 5.5 MB across the network to the nearest node with a tape drive. I've been trying to determine the technical feasibility so that I could come up with a reasonable estimate for cost, but they are now refusing to even discuss technical problems with me. –Charles Reed