How to save money

This CIO assigns IT operations the project of finding missing tapes. "Inspired by Ebenezer Scrooge, this boss does not want to buy backup tapes because 'we have plenty,'" grumbles a pilot fish on the project.

"Operations is told to review the paper printouts of the computer databases and find the differences. The next step is to blame Operations for losing tapes."

It's just about a week after the Great Tape Crackdown that fish is staffing the data center solo on a Sunday. The manager has left a program running and wants to know when it is complete; he's left a special number in case a problem comes up.

Meanwhile, fish's task is to run the nightly backup so it can go to offsite storage in the morning. But when he goes looking for tapes, he only finds the right type for one machine. There's no usable tape for the other.

He checks the counter, cabinets and computer room -- nothing.

Ah, but the manager will know where the tapes have now been secreted. He calls the "in case a problem comes up" number. No one's there. He leaves a message.

He calls the manager's regular cell number. No answer. He leaves a message.

He sends an e-mail. No reply.

He calls one of the manager's subordinates. No luck.

Finally, the manager returns fish's call. The blank tapes are in the manager's office, he tells fish; building security can let you in.

Fish goes to the Sunday evening building security guy. There's no key, he tells fish.

He asks the building engineer. No key, he says.

Fish calls the manager again. No answer. He leaves another message.

"On my break, the company cell rings," fish says. "The building engineer, who said there was no key, has the key and is waiting by the door.

"I let the engineer into the company offices. He lets me into the manager's office, and I take a tape."

Sharky's not hunting for tape -- just your true tale of IT life. Send it to me at sharky@computerworld.com. I'll send you a stylish Shark shirt if I use it. Add your comments below, and read some great old tales in the Sharkives.

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