This was started before the week-end comments to the list.  My response to 
the PRISM issue is that it will give only 1 aspect of the COMPLETE 
discussion that is needed- Remember who PRISM is and that they represent 
the off-site vendors.  Just sending/using the PRISM material to clients 
wouldn't constitute a best practice or responsible RIM.
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Gerald,  Ok I'll bite

Your original question " So the question still stands, what criteria would 
a RM use to select an 
off-site vendor for backup tapes?"  has a pretty easy answer from my 
viewpoint,if taken literally. 

Answer:  I don't really care as back-ups are only used for disaster 
recovery.  Whatever process or criteria is selected is fine as long as it 
meets the standards set by the corporation for business continuity,DM, and 
risk management.  I as a customer just want the best amount of access time 
available (best case 24/7/365) and restoration as quickly as possible 
after a disaster- depending on the application/system criticality as 
listed in the DM process.

That being send if you're really talking about the management/protection 
of media that is considered an official company record-that's different 
and I should be included in the protection process/criteria.  I will limit 
my response to the electronic media as that is what I think you're asking- 
But I do consider paper to be a media  that needs and will continue to 
need protection.  I also believe that the protection of the back-up tapes 
should have the same process as the records although in many companies IT 
doesn't ask.  I can only fight so many battles.

I would break the criteria into the following Categories

Storage
      I would prefer a 4 hr 125 vault rating and all requirements set 
forth in NFPA 232 for my media.  This again depends on the risk your 
company is willing to    take.
Security
      Building and vault security would be different if stored in the same 
location. I'm not going to detail the specifics
Transportation
      Short delivery routes w/o many stops
      Locked at all times when not attended
      Constant as possible environment (more critical in certain parts of 
country)
      Object level bar-coding 
Destruction
      Would depend on companies business and risk assessment
Sustainability/Retrievability
      User friendly 
      Compatible with companies RIM software 
      Rotation review/ maintenance called out for company
      24/7/365 availability

Enough time spent on this-  Please critique and then let this thread die. 
I will not respond again.

Thanks

Steve Petersen CRM
Records Manager
Rockwell Collins Inc
319.295.5244 

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