HISTORY:
Now here is a blast from the past, probably only of interest to those who have a collection of dated tape based backup systems, 1990's era.
In the day, this type of data backup system was very popular for small business owners and individuals who had the sense to backup their data (many didn't ... until that inevitable hard drive crash occurred!), particularly for "off site" data storage ... many different systems were in the marketplace, ranging from the monster 10.5" reel based 9 track tape loaders for enterprises and large businesses/government agencies right down to these small Mini Cartridge based systems.
In the early days of my previous business (1980's ~ 1990's), we dealt with many media types as part of our data retrieval services (our pre-audio production days) and after using things like 8", 5.25" and eventually 3.5" floppy disks, these little tape systems were just magical and "reasonably" reliable. During this period, our business used to be provide data retrieval services and the media they used - this is probably the last Colorado mini-cartridge we had left and it has been sitting in a box of similar tapes ever since the 1990's!
I bet you are wondering "whatever happened to Colorado Memory Systems" I know I did! Way back in 1992, they were acquired by Hewlett Packard and CMS was no more - the minnow was swallowed by the Goliath.
Here is a very interesting video which details the evolution of backup systems, including those produced by Colorado Memory Systems
An impressive, informative video by this guy and most impressive of all? In 2021 he still owns a running 486 machine! Even by my standards that is just so cool ...
COLORADO MEMORY SYSTEMS - Data Mini Cartridge
Made in USA
Type: DT1400
Pre-formatted to the QIC 3020 standard (it just saved time)
Capable of storing 680Mb in the raw format or 1.36Gb when using compression (a characteristic of the 3020 standard)
Supplied in the original clear plastic outer casing along with the blank labels, instructions for use etc
NO writing of any kind on the cartridge or outer protective case
COSMETIC CONDITION:
NEW (Possibly)
This was part of our "left over" stock but as the outer seal is no longer there, I cannot vouch for this being completely new - I just don't know after 35+ years!
CLEAN
Stored in sealed clear plastic and this Mini Cartridge will be supplied the same way - not to give the impression it is new but simply to protect the cartridge from the environment.
