"Memory-in-Casette" or MIC is a term coined by Sony for
their AIT format tape cartridges.
The term refers to a small amount of non-volatile memory that is readable
and writeable by the tape drive allowing for the contents of the tape and the
tape itself to be identified when the drive encounters that cartridge. In large
tape backup environments this can go a long way to reducing media mounting
errors. Additionally, this memory can store usage information for the tape's
lifespan and indicate when it might be developing wear and need replacing.