Quantum ships disk system disguised as tape

In an effort to reduce management burdens for customers, Quantum Corp. has introduced a new disk-based storage system that appears to software as a tape library.

The Quantum DX30 disk-based back-up system will be available by the end of October as a 4U (7 inches high) unit that can store as much as 3TB of data. Disk storage is generally more expensive than tape, but Quantum is looking for customers that are willing to pay a premium for higher speed data recovery and more reliable storage products, said Dave Kenyon, a product line manager at Quantum. In addition, the DX30 will appear as a tape library to management software, which means administrators can keep their current back-up procedures intact.

“We take inexpensive disk drives and make them look and feel like tape drives,” Kenyon said. “This makes it easy for a customer to use and understand.”

Tape has long been the most popular medium for backing up data. However, some companies that make disk-based storage products argue that the quality of tape can be poor and that it does not perform well enough for some critical data restoration tasks.

Quantum, based in Milpitas, Calif., expects medium-sized and large companies to adopt the new product. These types of users would have a need for and potentially benefit from higher back-up speeds, particularly for disaster recovery, Kenyon said. The DX30 will be priced at US$55,000.

Quantum has been working to restructure its business in the wake of falling revenue, which prompted layoffs of nearly a third of its staff. It has also decided to spin off its NAS (network attached storage) business into a new company called Snap Appliance Inc. [Please see Quantum snaps off its NAS division.]

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now