Fujitsu Siemens Computers is offering small and medium-sized enterprises an easy entry into the world of automated and redundant tape backup systems. The FibreCAT TX24, a robotic tape library, performs automated data backups and eliminates the need to change tapes manually every day.

Used with backup software like NetWorker or ARCserve, the FibreCAT TX24 supports media cloning, creating redundant backups by writing data to two tapes simultaneously. One copy can then be stored at a separate location for any disaster recovery.

With its “My very first Robot” bundle, Fujitsu Siemens Computers is also offering a free spare magazine and tape magazine case valued at £340 (EUR500) for safe and convenient transportation of storage tapes. The special offer starts immediately and runs until December 31, 2007.

Forgetting to change tapes or using the wrong backup tapes are some of the most common problems that lead to the loss of data for companies. Fujitsu Siemens Computers’ FibreCAT TX24 helps companies avoid this by automating the tape change process. System administrators don’t have to load and unload tapes manually on a daily basis. With 24 tape slots, the system can perform an automatic, unattended backup for almost five working weeks without operator intervention. This eliminates error-prone processes and substantially reduces the time and effort involved in backups.

When fitted with two LTO tape drives and used with backup software like NetWorker or ARCserve, FibreCAT TX24 can also create duplicate backups on two tapes. One tape can then be stored off-site and the data can still be accessed in case there is an operational disaster.

“Carefully planning and executing backups to protect critical business data is extremely important for businesses of any size. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular need easy and affordable backup and archiving solutions, but not at the expense of reliability or their ability to meet today’s increased data security requirements”, said Dr. Helmut Beck, Vice President Storage, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. “With the ‘My very first Robot’ bundle, we are offering a convenient and attractively priced entry-level solution for automated data backup enabling companies to take an important step forward in ensuring system availability and fault tolerance.”

Automation for added security

As the volume and complexity of data expands, organisations need to put in place storage strategies that meet compliance and security requirements. Basic manual backups alone cannot achieve this. Tape backup systems such as the FibreCAT TX24, controlled by backup software, enable businesses to automate specific backup routines and to easily restore data when the need arises.

The FibreCAT TX24 tape system

Occupying just two slots in a standard server rack (2U), the FibreCAT TX24 tape system is exceptionally compact. It supports either one full-height LTO-3 drive or two half-height LTO-2/LTO-3 drives and has a maximum storage capacity of 19.2 terabytes. Fitted with two half-height LTO-3 drives, the FibreCAT TX24 can write up to 864 gigabytes of compressed data to tape in an hour. The system can connect to a host on a SCSI or Fibre Channel interface. Equipped with 24 media slots in total, the system supports 12 slots in its standard configuration. The remaining 12 media slots can be activated immediately via a soft key licence.

 
About Fujitsu Siemens Computers

Fujitsu Siemens Computers is the leading European IT provider with a strategic focus on next-generation Mobility and Dynamic Data Center products, services and solutions. With a portfolio of exceptional depth, our offering extends from handhelds through desktops to enterprise-class IT infrastructure solutions. Fujitsu Siemens Computers has a presence in all key markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Leveraging the strengths, innovation and global reach of our joint shareholders, Fujitsu Limited and Siemens AG, we make sure we meet the needs of customers: large corporations, small and medium enterprises and private users. The company is a member of the United Nations Global Compact initiative.