End-to-end data protection, while supporting multiple CRC algorithms

A method for providing an end-to-end data protection while more algorithms for cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method comprises receiving a protected by a first CRC data block from a first host unit. The first CRC is generated using a first CRC algorithm. The procedure checks the integrity of the data block using the first CRC and the first CRC algorithm. The method then calculated using a second CRC algorithm different from the first CRC algorithm, a second CRC for the data block. The method then stores the data block, the first CRC and the second CRC on a storage medium such as a magnetic tape. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed herein.