Most types of tape drive require periodic cleaning in order to maintain peak performance.  A tape drive will automatically issue a request for cleaning at the appropriate time. XenData Archive Series software manages automatic cleaning of tape drives within a library and responds to tape drive cleaning requests by inserting a cleaning cartridge in the drive. (Please note that cleaning cartridges must be imported into a standard tape cartridge slot within the library.)

In the case of stand-alone tape drives or if no cleaning cartridge is available in a tape library, the system will put messages in the Windows Event Log and in the XenData Management Console to indicate that the drive requires cleaning. Where the XenData Alert Module is installed, the system may be configured to also provide e-mail alerts and on-screen notifications identifying when cleaning is required..