Quantum DPS

DPS is the brainchild of Quantum Corporation which tests the integrity of a Quantum hard disk drive that supports this feature. For users of Quantum Fireball and Fireball Plus drives manufactured after January 1999, the DPS is available in the drives firmware. For users of older ATA drives, DPS is available as a standalone program available from Quantum's website.

The following has been taken from the Quantum DPS White Paper

How DPS works

DPS performs a Quick Test that exercises the hard drive. In addition, DPS checks every sector in the drives buffer and examines the first 300 megabytes of data stored on the drive, where the operating system and other critical system utilities are typically stored. Within 90 seconds , the Quick Test is complete. The results confirm whether the hard drive is the source of the system failure.

DPS Extended Test

If the DPS Quick Test results find no errors in the first 300 megabytes of data and the system continues to malfunction, the end user can run the DPS Extended Test. This test performs all Quick Test functions, and it also examines all additional data areas to verify whether the hard drive is the source of the problem. The time required for the Extended Test depends on the capacity of the drive, but never exceeds 20 minutes.

Summary

Quantum's DPS helps prevent avoidable data loss. By determining whether the drive is the source of a system-level failure, DPS spares users from unnecessarily removing and replacing a perfectly healthy drive. Valuable data is protected and productivity maintained. Systems integrators, distributors, resellers, and OEMs also benefit from reducing their service costs and -- most importantly -- maintaining the goodwill of their customers. Quantum's DPS thus provides a comprehensive solution to avoidable data loss for desktop computer users and their suppliers alike.