# IBM 3480 Family

> magnetic tape data storage format developed by IBM

**Wikidata**: [Q11223798](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11223798)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_3480_family)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ibm-3480-family

## Summary
The IBM 3480 Family is a magnetic tape data storage format developed by IBM. It is classified as a type of tape drive, which is a device used to read and write data on magnetic tape. The format is associated with the broader computer and software industries.

## Key Facts
*   **Entity Type:** Magnetic tape data storage format.
*   **Developer:** IBM (American multinational technology corporation).
*   **Classification:** Subclass of "tape drive" and "CMT."
*   **Function:** Reads and writes data on magnetic tape.
*   **Manufacturer Location:** IBM is headquartered in Armonk, United States.
*   **Wikidata ID:** Q1132483 (derived from sitelink data).
*   **Commons Category:** IBM 3480 tape family.

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly is the IBM 3480 Family?
A: The IBM 3480 Family is a magnetic tape data storage format developed by IBM. It functions as a tape drive system for reading and writing data.

### Q: Who manufactured the IBM 3480 Family?
A: The IBM 3480 Family was manufactured by IBM, a major American technology corporation headquartered in the United States.

### Q: What classification of device is the IBM 3480 Family?
A: It is classified as a "tape drive," a device specifically designed for reading and writing data stored on magnetic tape.

## Why It Matters
The IBM 3480 Family represents a specific format within the lineage of magnetic tape data storage, a critical component of enterprise computing history. Developed by IBM—a leader in the computer industry since 1911—this format falls under the broader class of tape drives and CMT (Cartridge Magnetic Tape) technologies.

While specific technical specifications (such as storage capacity or transfer speed) are not detailed in the provided source, the existence of this format highlights the evolution of data storage solutions. Tape drives like those in the 3480 family serve the essential function of providing offline, sequential data access, which has been a staple in backup and archiving strategies for mainframe and server environments. The format is documented across multiple languages (English, Japanese) and has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons, indicating its recognized role in the history of computing hardware.

## Notable For
*   **Classification:** It is a distinct subclass of "tape drive" and "CMT" (Cartridge Magnetic Tape).
*   **Origin:** It was developed by IBM, a foundational entity in the global computer industry.
*   **Function:** Serves the fundamental purpose of reading and writing data to magnetic tape.
*   **Documentation:** It maintains a presence in international knowledge bases, with entries in English and Japanese.

## Body
### Definition and Function
The IBM 3480 Family is a magnetic tape data storage format. It falls under the classification of a **tape drive**, defined as a data storage device that reads and writes data on a magnetic tape. It is also categorized under the class **CMT**.

### Manufacturer
The format was developed and manufactured by **IBM** (International Business Machines Corporation).
*   **Nature of Developer:** IBM is an American multinational technology corporation involved in the software industry, computer industry, and IT service management.
*   **Headquarters:** Armonk, United States.
*   **History:** IBM was founded on June 16, 1911.

### Knowledge Representation
The IBM 3480 Family is recorded in structured knowledge bases with the following attributes:
*   **Wikidata Description:** "magnetic tape data storage format developed by IBM"
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/07rhrx
*   **Wikipedia Title:** IBM 3480 family
*   **Commons Category:** IBM 3480 tape family
*   **Language Availability:** Information regarding this entity is available in English, Japanese, and Commons.