Iomega announce disk-to-disk autoloader for SME network backup

Iomega, a global leader in data storage, has announced a new disk-to-disk autoloader, designed to replace SCSI-based tape autoloaders and other backup devices in small- and medium-sized business networks. The REV Autoloader 1000 delivers superior performance and reliability for network professionals at a lower cost.

Robert Kennedy, Account Manager for Iomega in South Africa, says the Iomega REV Autoloader 1000 is a 2U single-drive desktop device with 10-slots for a native capacity of 350 GB - or 700 GB with 2:1 software compression, all managed with the bundled enterprise-strength BrightStor ARCserve Backup Standard Edition r11.1 plus Disaster Recovery Option software from CA.

"Dual SCSI interfaces on the REV Autoloader 1000 allow the drive to connect to a server and a network-attached storage device, while web-based configuration tools using the optional remote management unit and a front operator control panel give the user simple access to key settings, for configuring, controlling, monitoring, and updating the REV Autoloader," says Kennedy.

Other optional accessories for the REV Autoloader 1000 include a bar code reader for expedited inventory management and a 19" rack mount kit for optimum space utilisation.

"Until now, autoloaders have always involved some compromises due to the limitations of the tape format," says Kennedy. "By reinventing the autoloader using the REV drive and inexpensive 35GB REV disks as the core technology, the Iomega REV-based autoloader eliminates the frustrations associated with tape, and reduces the backup window for more efficient management of the network."

In head-to-head tests, Iomega`s REV drive can reduce the backup window - the time taken to complete typical backup tasks - by more than 80 percent compared to tape formats like DDS-4.

"Iomega`s REV technology can transfer data at rates of up to 25MB/sec, outperforming more expensive tape alternatives like DDS-4, DAT-72, VXA, AIT-1, and DLT VS80," he says. "REV disks also eliminate other frustrations associated with tape, such as head cleaning, retensioning, and worn tape replacement, and since the REV drive does not require a cleaning disk, all ten slots in the REV Autoloader 1000 can be used for storage."

Kennedy says that whereas tape is a fragile, slow and expensive linear-access technology, the Iomega REV drive is a robust, high-performance device with random access capability, transforming the backup process and making system or file recovery tasks faster, easier and less costly in terms of both labour and network downtime. REV disks also enjoy much higher rewrite ability - estimated to be over one million rewrites - for cost savings versus tape when factoring in the replacement cost of worn-out tapes.

Bundled with the Iomega REV 1000 autoloader is Computer Associate`s BrightStor ARCserve Backup Standard Edition r11.1 and Disaster Recovery Option, which supports automation, 2:1 compression and disk spanning. Users can also retrieve individual files with point-and-click ease in a fraction of the time it takes with tape, providing a much-improved recovery experience. In the event of a catastrophic system failure, the combination of the REV drive and BrightStor ARCserve Backup solutions will provide simple and rapid disaster recovery.

"As the volume of data continues to grow, and the requirement for shorter backup windows increases, customers will find the value proposition offered by Iomega`s new REV Autoloader very attractive," says David Luft, senior vice president of SMB/OEM product development at CA. "CA`s BrightStor ARCserve Backup technology is a key component of this overall value proposition. It streamlines and automates backup and recovery tasks to minimise ownership costs and helps ensure that customers realise the full benefits of this ground-breaking technology."

In the REV drive design, sensitive components like the read/write heads and electronics are located in the REV drive for protection. The disk itself holds a hard drive platter and a quiet fluid-dynamic bearing motor, eliminating the spindle hole as a potential source of dust contamination. Patent-pending air filtration, together with shutters that seal off both drive and disk from outside air when the disk is inserted and ejected, contribute to a virtual `clean room` environment inside the removable REV disk.

These features, combined with Iomega`s patent-pending advanced two-stage error correction and patent-pending automatic head cleaning, give REV storage products exceptional data integrity. And REV disks are engineered for a long shelf life, estimated to exceed 30 years.

Industry software support for the Iomega REV drive has been growing fast since its release in May 2004. Already, eight major storage software vendors in the Windows, UNIX, and Linux communities support the REV drive, and Iomega continues to work with others to certify compatibility with their solutions.