key-to-tape

Type of key entry that stores data on a magnetic tape. Key-to-tape entry requires less expensive hardware than key-to-disk entry and is ideally suited to situations where the data does not have to be accessed often or quickly. Tape storage, however, is more prone than disk storage to data loss because of physical damage to the tape. Key-to-tape entry is most practical if the mainframe is in the same location as the entry operation, because tapes can be easily delivered to the mainframe.