Sony&s Latest Tape Library Provides Room To Grow

That&s why a small or midsize business that would never need a petabyte-level backup device can still outgrow something in the gigabyte range. With its 10-terabyte native capacity, Sony&s new CSM-20 SAIT-1 Mini Library is an ideal solution for the SMB sector.

The unit is easy to install and manage, and offers quite profitable margins. Of course, it will also let a solution provider quickly restore a customer&s data should disaster strike.

The CSM-20 is a rack-mount unit that comes in 5U chassis and houses either one or two SAIT-1 tape drives. SAIT technology uses high-capacity, high-performance, half-inch single-reel tapes and 5.25-inch full-height drives. SAIT-1 cartridges can store up to 500 Gbytes of uncompressed data.

Two models of the CSM-20 are offered: One houses just a single SAIT-1 tape drive, and the other includes two. Both units hold up to 20 high-capacity SAIT cartridges. The system&s native storage capacity of 10 Tbytes can be expanded up to 26 Tbytes when using 2.6:1 compression.

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The single-drive model offers a sustained native transfer rate of up to 30 Mbps, while the one containing two SAIT-1 drives doubles the sustained transfer rate 60 Mbps. The one-drive library (model CSM-20S/S1) carries a suggested list price of $17,995, while the two-drive version (model CSM-20S/S1-2) is priced at $25,990. Add-on options include additional cartridge magazines and rack-mounting kits.

The SAIT mini library is easy to use, offering full functionality from either its front display panel or through a Web-enabled interface. It comes with an Ultra SCSI interface but can be used with fibre channel networks through an optional SCSI/FC bridge. The unit&s enormous capacity and hands-free automation make it suitable for general backup and restoration, archiving critical data and large databases, storing video and more.

Sony&s SAIT mini library can actually help enforce compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act because it has built-in Write Once Read Many (WORM) functionality. Data that is written to SAIT WORM media cannot be altered or erased, so it&s a good way to document network activity for future inspection. The mini library also includes a password-protected electromagnetic lock and a mechanical key lock, so critical backup jobs cannot be tampered with or manually disrupted, and tapes can&t be removed by unauthorized personnel.

Sony&s two-tier channel structure is open to authorized distributors, solution providers and resellers. Sony selects partners based on the value-add they provide for either commercial or industrial applications, as well as channel coverage. Resellers and integrators buying products through distribution are supported by Sony with product training and technical support, among other things. Sony said it maintains solid double-digit margins for all partners.

Sony&s channel strategy requires minimal training for resellers. So with very little investment, solution providers can add Sony&s SAIT and AIT backup products to their own line of offerings. Sony offers demo equipment discounts, short-term evaluation products, trade-in services, promotional materials and more. Training is offered both in-person and via the Web.