When compared with conventional libraries, the Scalar i2000s built-in intelligence has already reduced the need for service calls by more than 50% and shortened time to resolution by more than 30%, explainedSteve Mackey,productmarketingdirector, ADIC EMEA. The new service upgrade package should give us automated root-cause identification for a full 80% of all service issues without having to send a technician on-site. The result will be even fewer and shorter interruptions to normal operation and reduced management overhead for our customers.
The Scalar i2000 monitors internal systems, applies fault tree analysis when anomalies occur, determines root causes, recommends repair procedures, and automatically opens communication with the ADIC service team. In many cases, the first time customers hear of a problem with the backup system is when they get a call from ADIC telling them a Service Request has been opened and that a resolution plan is in place. Launched in early 2003, the Scalar i2000, with ADICs iPlatform architecture, is the first tape library to offer end users automated service support that includes intelligent self-diagnosis, real-time email links to a 24-hour service team, and proactive customer alerting, features often associated with enterprise disk-storage systems.
The iPlatform architecture and the way that it is linked to the ADIC service team is revolutionizing library service by monitoring more systems, storing more data, and analyzing the information more intelligently,Mackey continued. For this software upgrade, we looked at the last years history of events and expanded the fault-tree logic based on that knowledge. In a sense, the library is learning from its own experience and the experience of the entire ADIC tech support team, and it is becoming smarter.
Other system enhancements in the current iPlatform software release include automated drive firmware management and remote system recovery settings, both designed to simplify on-going library management. The drive firmware feature combines the librarys central memory and control system with in-band I/O blades to automate the download of new tape drive firmware. Centralized firmware downloads speed up the process and make it easier to manage by eliminating the need to use firmware upgrade tapes. The remote recovery setting feature allows users to download the full library configuration settings to a storage device outside the library. The remote recovery data allows users to configure a replacement library rapidly in case the original library is not available, providing rapid resumption of the backup system even in the case of a major disruption to the original library site.
The Scalar i2000 software release is available now for all installed Scalar i2000 units, and is shipping now on all new Scalar i2000 libraries.
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