Hitachi Data Systems has announced innovations to its suite of storage management software that aim to enable companies to proactively move data across heterogeneous storage.
According to local HDS distributor, Shoden Data Systems, the new software - Hitachi HiCommand Tiered Storage Manager - enables users to define and dynamically move data across multi-dimensional tiers of storage - without disruption to the application itself.
John McArthur, group VP of storage research, IDC, explains: "Storage vendors are all talking about data migration across tiers of storage. However, they present a linear, uni-directional perspective in line with the concept of information lifecycle management, which follows a linear cradle to grave path. In the real world, however, the attributes associated with data are far from linear - they vary over time in terms of performance, availability, security, privacy and retention. Being able to manage the same set of data for different applications at different times in a multi-dimensional, tiered, heterogeneous storage environment is the real key that enables customers to realise the value of IT assets."
Fanie van Rensburg, MD of Shoden Data Systems, adds: "With the need to balance exponential growth in storage demand and stagnant budgets, while trying to meet regulatory requirements, many companies are adopting a tiered storage strategy to optimise data placement and minimise costs. Whereas other vendors offer static tiers, Hitachi's new HiCommand Tiered Storage Manager actually enables a dynamic, tiered storage strategy.
"It is capable of moving data to storage media that satisfy the quality of service and cost requirements of the application. It also recognises and addresses the constantly changing requirements of applications, allowing data to be frequently moved between storage tiers to maintain an optimal location. IT managers also use migration to move stale or non-crucial data to lower-cost storage systems; to resolve performance, capacity, and usage bottlenecks; to manage equipment lease expirations and upgrades; and to retire expensive-to-operate systems."
Product additions and enhancements:
Tiered Storage Manager is the latest addition to the HiCommand software suite. This suite is a critical component of Hitachi Application Optimised Storage solutions, launched in May 2004, that enable customers to precisely match business application requirements to storage system attributes - such as cost, performance and data protection.
HiCommand Replication Monitor simplifies configuration and management of all replication performed by Hitachi Data Systems storage systems, including the Universal Storage Platform, using a single interface for visualisation, status indication and user notification of copy functions.
HiCommand Backup Services Manager, powered by APTARE, to improve backup and recovery success. It optimises the backup infrastructure for significant operational cost reduction, proves regulatory compliance down to the file-level, provides secure end-user initiated on-demand restores for high user satisfaction, and clarifies backup exposure and risk.
HiCommand Device Manager V4.0, HiCommand Tuning Manager V4.0, HiCommand Protection Manager V4.0: These now provide added vendor and device support in Hitachi and heterogeneous environments, as well as more detailed measurement and monitoring capabilities of storage service levels.
For additional information on the enhanced Hitachi HiCommand Suite, please click here.
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With offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, Shoden Data Systems (Pty) Ltd is the sole distributor for Hitachi Data Systems in SA.
Shoden Data Systems also has strategic agreements with CNT - a provider of storage networking solutions, products and services - and is a reseller of Fujitsu Siemens Computers. In addition, the company is a Veritas Premier Partner, providing integrated, managed, best-of-breed storage area network solutions to the marketplace, and also distributes VMware, virtual machine software for Intel-based systems.
Based on more than 200 collective years of experience in the service, support and marketing of Hitachi products, Shoden Data Systems uses its intellectual capital and industry-leading products to provide customers with total solutions in the storage, enterprise servers and connectivity arenas. The following offerings are available:
1. Storage - HDS Freedom storage range, including the enterprise-level Lightning 9900 series and the modular Thunder 9500 series.
2. Connectivity - CNT and Brocade.
3. Servers - Fujitsu Siemens PrimePower range of servers.
Hitachi Data Systems
Hitachi Data Systems leverages global R&D resources to develop storage solutions built on industry-leading technology with the performance, availability and scalability to maximise customers' ROI and minimise their risk. By focusing on the customer's perspective as we apply the best hardware, software and services from Hitachi and our partners, we uniquely satisfy our customers' business needs.
With 2 700 employees, Hitachi Data Systems conducts business through direct and indirect channels in the public, government and private sectors in over 170 countries. Its customers include more than 50% of Fortune 100 companies. For more information, please visit www.eu.hds.com.
Hitachi, Ltd
Hitachi, Ltd (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 340 000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2002 (ended 31 March 2003) consolidated sales totalled 8,191.7 billion yen ($68.3 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors, including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit http://www.hitachi.com.
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