New backup option enables multiple backup servers to share common Compaq tape libraries residing on a SAN
Seagate Software, the pioneer of Enterprise Information Management (EIM), has confirmed that its new Seagate Backup Exec Shared Storage Option is the first Fibre Channel-based backup software component to be packaged with the Compaq StorageWorks Enterprise Backup Solution.
It enables multiple Microsoft Windows NT or Novell NetWare distributed backup servers attached to Compaq`s Enterprise Backup Solution to share common, centralised storage devices, for enhanced efficiency and scalability.
"Co-developed with Compaq, the Seagate Backup Exec Shared Storage Option is a storage management solution that enables the Compaq StorageWorks Enterprise Backup Solution to improve the availability, protection and management of enterprise-wide data," says Nick van Noordwyk, regional manager for MEA at Seagate Software, Network and Storage Management Group (NSMG).
The two products work together to derive the full benefit of Storage Area Network (SAN) technology, including increased backup performance, centralised management, reduced impact on network users and lower total cost of ownership.
The new option enables several Seagate Backup Exec servers to simultaneously share the same tape libraries or autoloaders by implementing SCSI Reserve/Release command structures to resolve device conflicts. "When the Shared Storage Option is used in conjunction with Seagate Replication Exec, the total solution achieves ultra-high availability and alleviates the single point of failure inherent in many storage network implementations today," says Van Noordwyk.
The software also allows Seagate Backup Exec servers to safely share storage media preventing shared storage devices from accidentally overwriting each other`s backup tapes. It also optimises hardware use by eliminating the need for dedicated tape drives and libraries for every backup server. "Thus, devices with larger capacity and higher performance may be deployed centrally and used by multiple backup servers as needed. Backup operations are automatically load balanced across all available storage devices," adds Van Noordwyk.
The Seagate Backup Exec Shared Storage Option centralises storage device management, enabling storage devices and media to be maintained centrally as well as reducing the complexity of tape swapping and tape cleaning tasks.
On Windows NT platforms, centralised management is further enhanced with centralised media and device reporting and centralised restore operations enabling backup operators to perform restore from any location on the SAN.
Editors note
About Seagate Software
Seagate Software, a subsidiary of Seagate Technology, Inc., develops tools and applications for Enterprise Information Management (EIM); the solution for the growing need of corporations for superior information delivery, analysis and availability. Seagate Software`s diverse technology and breadth of leading products -- including the award-winning Seagate Backup Exec, Seagate Crystal Info, Seagate Crystal Reports, Seagate Desktop Management Suite, Seagate Holos, Seagate Manage Exec and Seagate WinINSTALL -- make it uniquely qualified to deliver EIM with an integrated infrastructure. Seagate Software has established strategic relationships with Compaq, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM, Informix, Microsoft, Netscape, Novell, Oracle, PeopleSoft and other industry leaders, and markets its products worldwide, through distributors, value-added resellers, systems integrators, retailers, and OEMs. Seagate Software`s home page address on the World Wide Web is http://www.seagatesoftware.com.
Seagate Technology, Inc. (NYSE:SEG) is a leading provider of technology and products enabling people to store, access, and manage information. The Company is committed to providing best-in-class products to help people get information when, where and how they want it. Seagate is the world`s largest manufacturer of disc drives, magnetic discs and read-write heads, an innovator in tape drives, and a leading developer of Enterprise Information Management software. Seagate can be found around the globe and on the World Wide Web at http://www.seagate.com. For automated news, stock and financial information by phone, dial toll-free 877-SEG-NYSE. Outside the U.S. and Canada, dial 760-704-4368.
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