An Accessible Storage Solution For SMBs Enters The Marketplace

Within the business environment storage arena it is often only the larger companies that can afford the best and most reliable storage automation products. But a new device from Exabyte promises storage automation capabilities at a reasonable price. Exabyte’s VXA-320 PacketLoader 1X10, a third-generation tape automation product, will provide customers with a high-capacity, low-cost 1U device that combines 10 cartridge slots, which can provide a native capacity of 1.6 Tbytes or 3.2 Tbytes compressed. With its remote management port, the VXA-320 PacketLoader can easily be remotely managed by an administrator. Priced at $2,999, the VXA-320 PacketLoader ships with a 68-pin SCSI LVD cable and terminator, a rack-mount kit and a cleaning tape. While Exabyte shipped 120 Gbytes in storage media to the Test Center, the actual device does not ship with any blank media. CRN Test Center engineers were able to find 20/40 Gbytes VXA Packet Tape Cartridges online for only $15 to $17; 160/320 Gbytes were significantly costlier at $77 to $80.

The unit evaluated by Test Center engineers was a final beta release and the top panel of the unit was transparent, which allowed for view of all the components within the system. CRN engineers were advised that this is not how the item will be shipped. The final product will look and feel like a typical 1U server-type device, which will be shelled in an aluminum sheath for added durability and protection.

One feature of the 1U autoloader, which is tremendous for potential customers, is that the autoloader is comprised of a field-replaceable drive. This will provide easier paths to future generations of VXA drives without having the customer shell out a few thousand dollars to buy an entirely new autoloader. Also, when upgrading, field representatives need not take the device out of its environment. This results in backup and automation that will only be interrupted for mere moments as opposed to hours or days.

According to the company, the VXA-320 PacketLoader will become the flagship product of the company’s SMB-Class Automation Line. In years past, safeguarding and archiving critical data through automation was only considered possible for larger organizations. With such a reasonable price tag, SMBs can take full advantage of something that has eluded them for many moons.

The PacketLoader’s industry certifications ensure that regardless of the software they choose, Exabyte customers will be able to combine the hardware device with their third-party software for a feature-rich, affordable backup and restore system. Veritas (Backup Exec), Computer Associates (ARCserve), BakBone (NetVault), Yosemite (TapeWare), Tolis Group (BRU) and Dantz (Retrospect) are just a few. For the most current listing, go to Exabyte’s software compatibility Web page (exabyte.com/support/online/ documentation/compatibility.cfm).

All functions can be set up through the operator panel buttons, which reside on the front of the box. It offers simple multilingual LCD screen instructions for cartridge load/unload and other common functions items such as importing and exporting cartridges, as well as IP configuration and running diagnostics.

Installation prerequisites are clearly defined in the CD’s manuals. Software installation consisted of only one step and was seamless. Exabyte recently announced that it has teamed up with Imation, Matsushita Electric Industrial, Sony and TDK to form The VXA Alliance. The tape storage industry alliance group will provide validation and education to the marketplace on the continued adoption of VXA Packet technology by new hardware, software and solution providers worldwide.

Exabyte offers three levels in its ExaPartner Program based on sales commitment. For example, Premier Reseller, the highest level of the program, requires the most sales commitment and therefore receives the highest pricing discounts (of 8 percent) on hardware products. The Premier Reseller level also includes a special technical support hotline to which the Registered and Authorized levels do not have access.

The average overall reseller margin ranges from 15 percent to 30 percent on Exabyte products.