AIT3 Data Cartridge offers a massive 100GB native capacity or 260GB compressed capacity of 12MB/Sec in a native form and 31MB/Sec in compressed from AME media. Cartridge features a built-in flash memory chip that stores directory and operational information, resulting in rapid access to desired data and greatly reduced loading and ejection times. Tape is protected by a smooth DLC (diamond like carbon) coating that is nearly as hard as diamond and 20 times harder than metal oxides. Coating helps provide maximum reliability and longest life. AME (advanced metal evaporated) tape delivers 100 percent pure cobalt for high retentivity and maximum recording performance. Cartridge is read/written only on the AIT3 drive, which is backward read/write compatible with AIT1 and AIT2 cartridges, except for AIT2 WORM cartridges.