CLI "Tape" backup utilities???

[R. Mariotti]

Gentlemen;

I am in the process of setting up a small farm (4-5) of Ubuntu web 
server machines.  This time I am dispensing with the GUI's.

In the past I've been using Storix for my backup suite with reasonably 
good results.  But, I would like something that is a little more 
portable and can be run from the command line to both make, view and 
restore the tapes.

I am aware of the usual array of available "linux" facilities (amanda, 
arkeia, etc) but I am curious as to what others may be using for this 
purpose.  Ease and reliability are my main concern.  Oh, and did I 
mention Free?  Honestly, I am willing to pay if the product/utility is 
worth it.  But few of them really are.

I would appreciate your ideas and input on this?

Thanks,

bobmct

ps: And, can anyone advise as to how one can determine the block length 
and files on a given tape with available utilities?  (on AIX I'd use 
tcopy followed by dd).

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