IBM adds data recovery to storage

IBM updated its XIV enterprise storage system to include asynchronous mirroring and instant space reclamation, reports eWeek.

Snapshot-based asynchronous mirroring enables the copying of data between sites at virtually unlimited distances. "Having the asynchronous mirroring opens up new remote disaster recovery capabilities and allows IBM to play in that market," says David Hill, principal analyst of the Mesabi Group. "A lot of customers will have to have those requirements."

Mirroring can be scheduled at flexible intervals between 30 seconds and 12 hours, and clients' recovery point objectives can be different and independent of their mirroring schedule.

Despite growing political and public concern at the security of personal data, the penalties for breaking the law remain small when compared with the sums of money that can be made from selling confidential information, states TimesOnline

Companies are required to keep personal data secure, and it is an offence under the Data Protection Act to buy or sell personal data unless there is a public interest defence. Yet the maximum fine is £5 000 (R62 000) in a magistrates' court and an unlimited sum in the Crown Court.

Christopher Graham, UK Information Commissioner, believes these sums are paltry and that it's time to take a tougher approach to curb the trade in personal information.

Radius Engineering has introduced a Business Continuity Power Generation line consisting of five self-contained underground power plants (SCUPP), says Continuity Central.

Each of the SCUPPs is equipped to provide power off the grid to government, corporate or private users to ensure continuous power availability. Radius' Business Continuity Power Generation products were initially engineered to provide power to Radius underground disaster systems, designed to protect individuals and client assets in the case of a disaster.

However, a growing number of requests from the business continuity community led CEO and founder of Radius Engineering, Walton McCarthy, ME, to make the SCUPP products available individually as well.