From the IBM Knowledge Center:
https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledg...m#INZTAP.CLEAR
I can understand if parameter is set to "*YES", it takes a long time to completely erase all data on tape. However, for "*NO" parameter, it states that existing data is NOT deleted. My question is, does the inaccessible data still remain on the tape itself taking up storage? Or, does it remain on tape and get overwritten when additional space is needed later on? If anyone has any docs to reference or has any info I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
Clear (CLEAR)
Specifies whether all previous labels and data are deleted from the tape when it is initialized. If the volume must be cleared of all data, it is spaced from the location of the initializing volume label or tape markers to the end of the tape marker. *NO Existing data is not deleted. Even though the existing data is not deleted, the data on the volume is not accessible after the volume has been initialized for use. *YES After the beginning of the tape has been initialized for use, the rest of the data on the tape is deleted. The *YES value is needed only if there are security concerns with the old data. If *YES is selected, the initialize operation can take a long time.
Specifies whether all previous labels and data are deleted from the tape when it is initialized. If the volume must be cleared of all data, it is spaced from the location of the initializing volume label or tape markers to the end of the tape marker. *NO Existing data is not deleted. Even though the existing data is not deleted, the data on the volume is not accessible after the volume has been initialized for use. *YES After the beginning of the tape has been initialized for use, the rest of the data on the tape is deleted. The *YES value is needed only if there are security concerns with the old data. If *YES is selected, the initialize operation can take a long time.
I can understand if parameter is set to "*YES", it takes a long time to completely erase all data on tape. However, for "*NO" parameter, it states that existing data is NOT deleted. My question is, does the inaccessible data still remain on the tape itself taking up storage? Or, does it remain on tape and get overwritten when additional space is needed later on? If anyone has any docs to reference or has any info I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
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