Backup media are the fixed or removable physical
devices that store data. There are two types
of media: disk (random-access) and tape (sequential-access).
Disk media store data as files on hard disks,
floppy disks, zip disks, and compact discs.
Tape media store data on tapes.
The backup type determines the requirements
for media name:
All backups to disk have a
media name, which can either be a blank
name or anything you specify during a backup.
This name should not be confused with the
file name. A file named “Backup.bkf” may
have the backup creation date as its media
name.
All backups to tape require
a media name which is easy to recognize
during backups and restores. Even though
you may label a tape “Feb Backup” and assign
it the backup creation date as the media
name, it helps to use identical names to
ensure that you request the correct backup
during backup and restores.
For example, when backing up libraries to
tape, you must identify the media name exactly
as you assigned it while preparing the backup
tape. Writing that name on the tape label
helps you identify the correct media name.