Users of NetApp NAS systems can now perform tape backups faster and consolidate them more efficiently in the dynamic data centre.
The CentricStor open storage solution by Fujitsu Siemens Computers virtualises the processing of magnetic tapes in heterogeneous environments. The virtual tape appliance makes it possible to secure data rapidly and simultaneously from a large number of NAS filers via NDMP (Network Data Management Protocol).
CentricStor`s numerous parallel virtual tape drives also accelerate tape backup of single NAS filers without the added expense of extra real tape drives. When compared to a solution using real tape drives, CentricStor represents a considerable improvement in terms of the cost and speed of backups. Because CentricStor supports any type of system - open systems, mainframes, NAS filers - it permits efficient consolidation of the entire tape backup in the data centre.
"Through our strong relationship with Network Appliance, we enable customers to implement industry-leading storage products with a new approach towards information lifecycle management for backup and disaster recovery," says Rui de Oliveira, Storage and Unix-based Servers Product Manager. "The combination of NetApp unified storage solutions and Fujitsu Siemens Computers` CentricStor enables enterprises to achieve breakthrough efficiency and agility gains for disk-to-disk-to-tape backup. Our certification efforts enable our customers to utilise CentricStor to backup data from NetApp primary NAS storage to a cost-effective consolidated tape environment."
IT managers typically experience bottlenecks in storing data when allocating real tape drives during backup. CentricStor acts virtually as real tape, eliminating this backlog. The virtual drives can be reserved over long periods of time just like locally available hardware, but without the added cost. In addition, virtualisation means that backups can run in parallel, diminishing the overall time it takes to store data. Fast disk caches and intelligent resource management enable CentricStor to improve utilisation or real tape drives. As a result, a CentricStor user will require substantially fewer real tape drives and media to secure the same backup volume within a given timeframe. The joint application of CentricStor and NetApp NAS filers will thus permit a prompt return on investment (ROI) and low total cost of ownership.
"Combining NetApp`s online and nearline disk storage systems with CentricStor offers new options for improving enterprise backup environments," said Rod Guinot, Country Manager for NetApp in SA.
"More than with direct backup to tape, customers can select transparent virtual tape resources that increase backup and recovery speeds while minimising adjustment needs in their backup infrastructures and procedures. Compatibility between customers` existing backup software and NetApp storage systems through the NDMP protocol enables virtual tape systems to improve data protection management and increase the availability of servers and storage for applications."
CentricStor is the name of Fujitsu Siemens Computers` virtual tape appliance which is used to consolidate magnetic-tape processing in open-system and mainframe environments. CentricStor, a fail-safe disaster protection solution, combines the speed of disk with tape reliability for disk-to-disk-to-tape backup with integrated ILM (Information Lifecycle Management) functions. CentricStor supports leading backup applications, major system platforms and major tape automation environments. Many satisfied customers in Europe are already using CentricStor for data protection and near-line storage consolidation. The powerful virtual tape appliance has also been successfully introduced in Japan, the US and in Southeast Asia. More information about CentricStor can be found at www.centricstor.com.
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Fujitsu Siemens Computers is the leading European IT provider with a strategic focus on next-generation mobility and business-critical computing products, services and solutions.
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