Free archiving software now available for Iomega REV users

In a move that enables Iomega Corporation`s REV 35GB/90GB drives and media to be used to provide complete archiving functionality, Bechtle Group subsidiary GDA has made its Arcasys software available for free download to all Iomega REV users.

Bobby Kennedy, Key Account Manager for Iomega in SA, says this hardware and software solution provides a data archiving system that is simple, fast and, in particular, secure against illegal and fraudulent access.

The cooperation between GDA and Iomega Corporation - a global leader in data storage - originated in Germany where the new version of the Tax Code (AO) and the German system for auditing digital data for tax purposes (GDPdU) have come into force, with revised tax and auditing regulations.

Kennedy says that since 1 January 2002, company auditors have been able to demand access to data for auditing purposes, so fiscal authorities can now demand proper evidence of all business transactions, not only on paper but also on a digital basis.

"Similar legislation is being rolled out across many other countries, so companies must therefore rely on storage solutions and technologies that meet these requirements," he says. "The Iomega REV drive, together with the Arcasys software from GDA, will help meet these legal demands."

Arcasys is a data archiving system which can be integrated with Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP operating systems to provide optimal protection from data manipulation, viruses and unauthorised access. It is both safe and simple to use and existing data can be archived immediately. Firms that have already chosen other archiving software have peace of mind as the Iomega REV drive is also compatible with the main commercially available backup applications.

"The Iomega REV drive offers higher read/write speeds, is more reliable, more versatile and significantly less expensive than tape solutions of a similar capacity," says Kennedy. "It also offers the removability of a tape cartridge to allow them to be stored in a suitable and safe location."

"All companies have to prepare to process important business data in electronic form according to the relevant governmental guidelines," says Christian Friedrichs, General Manager of GDA.

Kennedy adds that Iomega is delighted that GDA has tested and approved the company`s REV Drives for File-system Based Archiving (FBA).

In this way we believe we are well equipped to deal with the strongly growing demand for solutions for storing critical commercial data that is protected from illegal and fraudulent access," he says. "The Iomega REV Drives together with the Arcasys software from GDA represent an ideal solution for this type of application."

Iomega REV drives are available from authorised resellers as external and internal devices with a variety of connectivity options.