Breece Hill's iStoRA 4000 Makes Backup A Breeze

Breece Hill has been manufacturing tape autoloaders, libraries and storage appliances for some time now, but its new iStoRA 4000, designed specifically with the SMB sector in mind, combines disk, tape and data protection software in a single rack-mountable unit. The iStoRA 4000 delivers seamless Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape (D2D2T) functionality to meet the storage and backup needs of SMBs. Combining disk and tape backup in a single unit keeps backup traffic from interfering with and contributing to ordinary network traffic.

The iStoRA 4000 is a 4U device that houses a six-slot Serial ATA disk array, a 1x10 tape autoloader and a server motherboard with integrated Gigabit-Ethernet connectivity. The unit houses a 1.5 Tbyte SATA disk array and a tape autoloader with capacities up to 13 Tbytes. Data protection software running on the integrated Intel-based server performs policy-based data traffic management. The integrated server also performs file grooming, which backs up all data to disk and then moves individual files elsewhere depending on file type, ownership and other parameters. Full media tracking allows for file-level recovery from media regardless of its state. Recovery can be performed from media that is online, near-online, offline or off-site. Optional WORM drives can provide a permanent, unalterable records of data. Prices for the iStoRA 4000 range from $19,400 to $35,000 depending on configuration.

The iStoRA 4000 is built around an Intel 875P motherboard with a 2.4 GHz Hyperthreading Pentium 4 processor and an 800 MHz front side bus. The motherboard has built-in RAID, two PCI expansion slots, up to 4 Gbytes of memory, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, an ATI Rage XL graphics accelerator and an LSI Logic LSIU80LVD Ultra2 SCSI controller. The chassis also houses a six-disk SATA array, and when loaded with 250 Gbyte drives, it can provide as much as 1.5 Tbytes of storage space. The unit also includes two power supplies for redundancy.

Breece Hill offers many tape drive choices. The appliance supports VS160, SDLT-600, LTO-1, LTO-2 and Sony SAIT drives, and the unit holds 10 data cartridges. Backup capacity and performance depending on data format and tape drive type. VS160 drives and media provide 0.8 Tbytes native and 1.8 Tbytes compressed at 8 Mbytes and 16 Mbytes respectively. Sony SAIT drives and media provide up to 5 Tbytes native and 13 Tbytes compressed at 30 Mbytes and 78 Mbytes respectively.

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Setting up the iStoRA 4000 is easy, but the product's user guides are only available on CD-ROM; printed versions are not included. The device weighs a hefty 85 pounds, so two people are needed to move it safely. All software is preinstalled, so connecting the unit to a network is all that's necessary. Physical requirements include a two-receptacle AC outlet that can supply at least 500 watts, an open Gigabit network port, a static IP address and an administrator login and password if the device is installed in a domain. A monitor, keyboard and mouse are also required for setup, but are not included with the unit.

The system runs Windows XP Professional, so integrators must accept a license agreement and enter a license key. The unit also must be given a name and description. Before the iStora 4000 can be used, it must be cycled off and on again before loading the ten data cartridges. After closing and locking the front door, the iStoRA 4000 will inventory the cartridges , which only takes a few minutes. Finally, backup can be performed on any critical data. The data is copied to disk first, and then automatically copied to tape.

The main benefit of Breece Hill's single-level channel program is the Opportunity Registration Program. This program lets channel partners achieve higher margins while conserving sales efforts. Sales tools include a Try and Buy Program, a Demo Program, a dedicated sales team, a broad product portfolio and dedicated partner Web site. Training is available in person or over the web. General technical support is available only on weekdays, but an advanced care coverage program can extend coverage to seven days a week, 24 hours a day with a four-hour response time. Breece Hill did not disclose average margin information.