In June 1997, IBM rolled out the IBM Magstar Tape Drive Model B1A which offers users:
- Drive Load-to-Ready time of 6.7 seconds.
- Drive average search time of 8 seconds.
- 6.6MB/second sustained drive data rates using Lempel-Ziv (3:1) compression.
- Self-enclosed data cartridges with pre-imbedded servo tracks.
- Cartridge capacity of up to 15GB using 3:1 compression.
The box measures 12.6 inches in width by 13.3 inches deep by 4.4 inches high, and weighs 19 pounds. It can be attached to IBM RS/6000, IBM POWERparallel SP systems, and non-IBM servers, workstations and personal computers that support Fast/Wide SCSI-2 differential interface specifications. Support for the Model B1A is provided in the AIX/6000 operating environment. At announcement, the Model B1A could be purchased for $8,500, and was scheduled for first deliveries in September 1997.