DVD burner for data - need advice

[logrus9]

I am on a long term data mining project where we need to transfer large amounts of data to several hundred clients. Normally I would use DLT tape but there are too many software/OS/lack of hardware issues with the clients. Therefore DVD is the easiest solution.

This will be used for creating data disks so compatability with other drives is a major concern. An external SCSI model is preferred. Any burning software suggestions?

 

[logrus9]

^ bump

 

[Eug]

DVD-RAM - most reliable rewriteable disc solution for data. All the clients need DVD-RAM drives though (or a DVD-ROM drive capable of reading DVD-RAM). Windows XP has built-in FAT32 read/write support for DVD-RAM. It's completely drag and drop, like a hard drive. UDF 1.5 support in Windows XP is read only. UDF 1.5 write support and UDF 2.0 read/write support requires extra drivers. No other extra software is needed though, and like I said, nothing extra is needed for FAT32 support (as long as you have Win XP). Older versions of Windows will still have UDF read support, but will need extra drivers installed for write support.

DVD-R - most compatible and inexpensive write-once disc solution. The clients can use their existing DVD-ROM drives, but the discs will not be supported by 100% of the clients. Mind you it's cheaper buying DVD-R media than DVD-RAM media, and you won't have to get a new drive for everyone. You'll need burning software though.

This is just some basic info, as I don't deal with this sort of commercial stuff (although I'm not sure exactly what you do). But at least it will get you started. And check my sig. PM me if you have more questions.

Anyways, scenario 1:

Eug makes UDF 1.5 DVD-RAM data disc. It is readable by both Windows NT 4 and Windows XP, but both machines need a drive capable of reading the disc. This is a Panasonic DVD-RAM/-R drive on my Windows XP machine, and a Toshiba M1612 DVD-ROm drive in NT 4. It is also readable by my Mac, hooked up to that Panasonic DVD-RAM/-R drive. (Neither my Pioneer 104S DVD-ROM nor my Mac laptop DVD-ROM read DVD-RAM however.) Eug can edit the data, etc. directly on disc, to his heart's content on his PC.

Scenario 2:

Eug makes a DVD-R data disc. Every single DVD drive Eug owns reads DVD-R fine, as long as I use good quality media. However, Eug knows that a few acquaintances cannot read the disc. Eug cannot edit the data however, without first copying the data to his hard drive.