In the face of growing demand for solutions that allow Nigerian companies to store and access their computer-generated business data, HP is introducing significant additions to its StorageWorks range of large and mid-sized storage solutions.
The products are grouped into three main areas: those used in building networks dedicated purely to data storage; those that attach directly to a company`s ordinary network; and those that help organise, manage and protect the stored data.
"Since the merger with Compaq was concluded in May, we rank as the world`s largest provider of storage solutions. As a result, we`ve been listening to our customers and we`ve been working on ways to help them cope with their increasing data volumes," says Gerald Naidoo, the regional sales manager for English-speaking African regions at HP.
"That`s why the StorageWorks solutions announcements are important: they are flexible enough to be deployed in different ways to cater to a company`s specific storage needs; they are supported by software that allows data to be effectively managed; and they are modular, meaning they can be redeployed as a company`s demands change."
The first solution to come to market through HP`s network of authorised resellers in Nigeria is the HP StorageWorks Virtual Array 7410 - a relatively low cost machine that offers high storage capacity, great performance and extremely high uptime (up to 99.995%).
"This system is ideal for companies that are running a storage area network [SAN] and that are dependent on fast access to their business data - such as financial services organisations and telecoms providers," explains Naidoo. "The machine`s capacity can be increased at will. HP`s `hot-swap` technology reduces the time taken for upgrades or repairs. And a range of high speed disk drives and other devices are supported, meaning that data access and throughput speeds are significantly increased."
HP is also launching a network-attached storage (NAS) solution, the HP StorageWorks NAS b2000. This is targeted at companies which are consolidating their data onto fewer storage devices. It is also ideal where different operating systems are being served by the same storage system.
Tape drives for the long-term protection of data and software for the management of data round out the storage solutions being announced today.
"Our StorageWorks DLT tape drives allow customers to store anywhere from 40GB to 320GB of data on a single tape - that`s a 45% increase in capacity and performance compared to current Super Digital Linear Tape (DLT)-based data protection solutions," points out Naidoo.
From a software standpoint, HP OpenView Storage Area Manager helps companies ensure that information is readily available to those who need it. The solution makes it simpler for companies to manage their various storage devices by providing a central console from which to control everything.
"Effective storage management solutions monitor resources and data to ensure continuous information availability; they also help companies understand how storage problems affect services," adds Naidoo.
"Through the central console and its integration with the greater HP OpenView software suite, Storage Area Manager helps companies to manage storage availability, performance, usage, cost and growth."
The StorageWorks solutions will be available from the end of September. For more information on HP`s solutions and activities in Africa, visit www.hp.com/africa.
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