#Multi-disk CD (CDTOWER)
5 messages in this thread
I am interested in info about a multi-disk CD drive. I really do not know where
to start looking. Could someone point me in the right direction? Thanks for
your response.
Bob
Hi Bob,
Well, choices are unlimited, some ideas:
1. CDROM juke boxes for lots of "near-line" storage, big $
2. CDROM changers that hold up to 6 platters, also "near-line"
3. Networked platforms like DEC's InfoServer product.
I am most familar with the third item as I helped develop it, so I have
somewhat of a bias. Basically it allows you to share up to 13 CD's on the
network. Supports DOS, MAC, ULtrix, VMS, Netware and Pathworks environments.
Great performance as we do some major caching on CDROM access.
Well, enough sales pitch. Not really sure what kind of application or
environment you were thinking about. If I can help you more drop me a note or
reply here.
Good Luck,
Ken
Ken,
I caught your note to bob neeb bout the DEC infoserver. We have a novell
network (soon to be 3.11) with arcnet (soon to be ethernet) and are interested
in multi disk solutions. You say you can share only 13 cd's? Why 13? Any
idea on availabliity/cost/install/use/…/…/…? We don't need 13 cd's yet
but we feel its better to spend now than later.
Any info or plugs accepted
Thanx Jim
Bob,
You might want to download 604RVW.TXT from Library 7. It's an enthusiatic
review of the Pioneer DRM-604X, which handles 6 CD ROMS. Sounds neat, but
costs $1795 retail.
Steve
Bob,
I would consider the SCSI interface drives that are available. With one adapter
you can put as many as 7 drives on. You can only access one at a time. If you
buy a proprietory interface drive you may be limited to 4 drives. In the long
run the SCSI cost alittle more up front but I'll bet you would be happier over
a long period of time. SCSI drive have larger buffers and provide better system
performance.