Optimizing tape speed for a sync operation

A computer-implemented method for determining a tape speed for a sync operation, comprising:

• calculating a first variable “S” that represents an expected time to transfer data from a first source to a tape drive;
• calculating a second variable “T” that represents an expected time of a sync operation, wherein the second variable is dependent on a current tape speed and a third variable “i” that represents another tape speed;
• and
• in response to determining that a value of the first variable is greater than a value of the second variable,
• determining whether there is a slower speed available that is slower than a value of the third variable;
• and
• in response to determining that there is no slower speed, outputting the value of the third variable as the tape speed for the sync operation.

A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium including a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to:

• receive a sync command;
• calculate an average transaction size and an average host transfer rate of a set of previous sync operations;
• determine the tape speed for the sync operation using the average transaction size, the average host transfer rate, and a backhitch time;
• and
• write data to a tape cartridge using the determined tape speed.

A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium including a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to:

• calculate a first variable “S” that represents an expected time to transfer data from a first source to a tape drive;
• calculate a second variable “T” that represents an expected time of a sync operation, wherein the second variable is dependent on a current tape speed and a third variable “i” that represents another tape speed;
• and
• in response to determining that a value of the first variable is greater than a value of the second variable,
• determine whether there is a slower speed available that is slower than a value of the third variable;
• and
• in response to determining that there is no slower speed, output the value of the third variable as the tape speed for the sync operation.

A system for determining a tape speed for a sync operation, comprising:

• logic capable of performing operations, the operations comprising:
• receiving a sync command;
• calculating an average transaction size and an average host transfer rate of a set of previous sync operations;
• determining the tape speed for the sync operation using the average transaction size, the average host transfer rate, and a backhitch time;
• and
• writing data to a tape cartridge using the determined tape speed.

A system for determining a tape speed for a sync operation, comprising:

• logic capable of performing operations, the operations comprising:
• calculating a first variable “S” that represents an expected time to transfer data from a first source to a tape drive;
• calculating a second variable “T” that represents an expected time of a sync operation, wherein the second variable is dependent on a current tape speed and a third variable “i” that represents another tape speed;
• and
• in response to determining that a value of the first variable is greater than a value of the second variable,
• determining whether there is a slower speed available that is slower than a value of the third variable;
• and
• in response to determining that there is no slower speed, outputting the value of the third variable as the tape speed for the sync operation.