HDS unveils greenest ever data centre

Hitachi Data Systems has unveiled what it claims will be the world’s greenest data center. The storage supplier has set up the eco-friendly and power-efficient data center—designed to achieve a 1.6 PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) rating by The Green Grid—the lowest power usage index of any data center in its class. Together, Hitachi Data Systems and Hitachi Ltd. are establishing a new industry standard for next-generation green data center implementations around the globe.

Located in Yokohama, Japan, the new state-of-the-art data center brings together the collective product innovations of the Hitachi Information & Technology Systems Group (ITSG) companies including industry-leading storage systems, server and networking equipment. This sophisticated architecture is designed to offer the highest levels of energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent, while also lowering IT management costs.

Optimized to deliver even greater power efficiencies, the facility also features cutting-edge products that take advantage of Hitachi’s world-famous R&D expertise in other key areas of technology.

AMI showcases data storage software

American Megatrends (AMI) has demonstrate its StorTrends iTX Storage Software for the AMD Storage Bridge Bay (SBB) 2.0 RDK and the Tyan Transport GT24 Storage Server with an AMD Opteron 64 Processor at the upcoming Storage Networking World, Florida.
SNW attendees will witness firsthand the unique capability of StorTrends iTX to handle enterprise-level data storage management, with a robust feature set that includes Advanced Snapshots, Synchronous and Asynchronous Replication, High Availability, Information Lifecycle Management, and much more, all accessible through a “single pane of glass” web-based GUI interface.

This latest version of StorTrends iTX has a number of new enterprise-class features, including Continuous Data Protection (CDP), Information Lifecycle Management (ILM), Storage Resource Management (SRM), and WAN-optimization Data Services (WDS) featuring data deduplication and link optimization.

Quantum highlights role of StorNext software

Quantum Corp highlighted its StorNext software as a scalable and cost-effective solution for helping the media and entertainment industry manage the explosive growth of digital assets. As evidence of this growth, research conducted by data storage consulting firm Coughlin Associates, Inc., found that the industry utilized an unprecedented amount of storage hardware—more than 700 petabytes—in 2007. In addition, the firm predicted that this number will skyrocket to a startling 2.4 exabytes by 2012.

This digital explosion reflects the evolution that has occurred in media and entertainment over the last several years. Historically, industry professionals have had to manually retrieve and move video tapes through the production process, physically circulating them from creation, post-production, ingest, playout and archive, also known as the “sneaker-net.” Not only was this time-consuming and expensive, but it also posed a greater risk of data loss.

Today, users are increasingly moving to digital, file-based workflows, where the content is housed in a storage area network (SAN) or shared pool of disk, from which numerous departments can quickly access it. While clearly beneficial, this evolution, coupled with the booming demand for HD content, has actually created another challenge—it has nearly quadrupled the storage needed to retain, manage and archive the digital assets.

BakBone adds protection for SharePoint

BakBone Software has expanded its Microsoft application data protection solutions with new support for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. BakBone’s NetVault: Backup Application Plugin Module (APM) for SharePoint provides a simple and powerful data protection solution that minimizes downtime, eliminates scripts and offers multiple recovery scenarios.

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 is the latest component added to Microsoft’s Office product family and is targeted to help organizations facilitate collaboration, provide content management features, implement business processes and supply access to information that is essential to organizational goals and processes. BakBone’s NetVault: Backup APM for SharePoint helps companies reduce the complexity of protecting SharePoint data.

NetVault: Backup APM for SharePoint ensures business continuity while minimizing downtime by allowing users to restore only what is needed. BakBone’s solution for SharePoint offers the flexibility to restore the entire SharePoint farm, individual Web applications or content databases.

Brocade showcases new approach to encryption

Brocade showcased its new approach for protecting critical corporate data at this week’s RSA Conference 2008. The planned data security solution from Brocade is an extension to the company’s innovative Data Center Fabric (DCF) architecture, which addresses the urgent needs of IT organizations to make their data centers more efficient, adaptable, and secure.

The broad Brocade partnership network of leading data center solution providers helps ensure that organizations will have the greatest choice of supportable solutions for their data centers. The flexible approach to open key management also provides investment protection as organizations benefit from the ability to encrypt more of their critical corporate information and more easily achieve their security and corporate governance objectives—all while centralizing management without sacrificing performance.

WD rolls out 2TB external drive for Macs

WD has introduced its My Book Studio Edition II high-performance dual-drive storage systems which are designed to seamlessly work with Mac computers and provide an ideal blend of power savings and high performance. Available now at select retailers and the WD online store (www.shopwd.com), the new My Book Studio Edition II dual-drive storage systems are available in capacities of 1 TB and 2 TB.

The new eco-friendly dual-drive My Book Studio Edition II external storage systems use WD’s GreenPower hard drives for power savings and cool and quiet operation. The system’s dual-drive, RAID 0 configuration and high-speed interfaces deliver high performance for creative professionals, workgroups, small offices and anyone looking for fast data transfer.

My Book Studio Edition II dual-drive storage systems are available now at select retailers and WD’s online store (www.shopwd.com). MSRP for My Book Studio Edition II with 1 TB is $349.99 USD; MSRP for My Book Studio Edition II with 2 TB is $599.99 USD.

Data Domain integrates with Veritas NetBackup OpenStorage API

Data Domain has announced that it is shipping the Data Domain OpenStorage software option, its first product in support of the new Veritas NetBackup OpenStorage (OST) API by Symantec. IT administrators utilizing Data Domain storage systems in conjunction with Veritas NetBackup 6.5 will benefit from new levels of management simplicity and flexibility.

Veritas NetBackup OpenStorage disk option is designed to allow administrators to easily manage key elements of Data Domain operation from within the NetBackup interface. Additionally, NetBackup eliminates the system management overhead of virtual tape libraries (VTLs) and their associated provisioning of imaginary tape drives, slots and cartridges.

Interwoven, Inc., a global leader in enterprise content management solutions, has implemented Veritas NetBackup 6.5 by Symantec, and is using the OpenStorage API with its Data Domain deduplication storage systems.

EMC strengthens disk-based security with new encryption capabilities

EMC Corporation has announced unique new data encryption capabilities for storage-devices that protects information at rest from unauthorized access or the unauthorized removal of a disk drive or array from a secured environment. The new EMC PowerPath Encryption with RSA integrates EMC PowerPath path management software with encryption and key management technology from RSA, the Security Division of EMC.

Now, customers deploying EMC Symmetrix and EMC CLARiiON storage systems can benefit from a consistent security strategy and deployment in and around the data center and across the IT stack with central management and automation of encryption keys. With this integration, EMC continues to execute and deliver another proof point of its commitment in providing information-centric security in the infrastructure.

Leveraging EMC PowerPath software, with more than 600,000 licenses deployed, EMC PowerPath Encryption with RSA encrypts and decrypts data at the host, as it is sent to and from the array.

RSA discovers “Rock Phish” attack evolution

The RSA Anti-Fraud Command Center (AFCC) recently uncovered a new series of attacks from the Rock Phish group, launched in order to infect unsuspecting users with financial crimeware. The Rock Phish group is a set of criminals believed to be based in Europe who have been targeting financial institutions worldwide since 2004.

Rock Phish attacks are estimated to account for more than 50% of phishing attacks world-wide and to be responsible for the theft of tens of millions of dollars from users’ bank accounts. However, until now, the group has not deployed financial crimeware as part of its attack methodology.

The new Rock Phish attacks combine both phishing techniques and crimeware. Victims of these phishing attacks not only have their personal data stolen—but they are then also infected with the Zeus Trojan. Once infected, the Trojan is capable of stealing additional information, such as personal data transmitted while interacting with other websites. The attacks were detected by the RSA 24x7 Anti-Fraud Command Center with support from security analysts that work on RSA’s FraudAction Anti-Trojan Service team.

Sun updates storage, VTL products

Sun Microsystems has introduced data deduplication technologies in its storage and virtual tape library product portfolio. The new technologies have been added to the Sun StorageTek VTL Prime. According to Sun, data deduplication lowers the overall cost of physical storage by storing only unique data, thereby retaining just one copy of data at all times.

In addition, Sun introduced the StorageTek VTL Plus line, which the company says doubles the performance of its VTL Value line and delivers tighter integration with backup applications. The StorageTek VTL Plus line is available in capacities of 12, 24, 36, and 48 TBs.
The StorageTek VTL Prime can be used as a standalone VTL or implemented with the StorageTek VTL Plus for”cost-effective, tiered data protection architecture.

The prime model is meant to synchronize and consolidate the backup process for remote-office and large corporate environments. By replicating only unique data, the system significantly reduces the bandwidth requirements.

IBM unleashes world’s fastest UNIX system

IBM has announced two high-end Power Systems models—the world’s fastest UNIX server and a unique water-cooled supercomputer. The new systems offer sophisticated IBM virtualization technology and energy-saving capabilities to help dramatically reduce bottom-line operating costs, such as those for energy, floor space and systems management, while improving system performance, helping customers transition to a new enterprise data center.

The new UNIX enterprise server, the Power595, designed to extend IBM’s leadership in the UNIX market, will be attractive to existing IBM clients as well as Sun Solaris and HP UNIX users. For example, IBM’s Power enterprise 64-core server delivers twice the performance at a comparable price as a similarly configured HP Superdome Itanium system.

IBM’s new POWER6 “Hydro-Cluster” supercomputer, the Power 575, is built to help users tackle some of the world’s most challenging problems in fields such as energy, aerospace and weather modeling. The new super-dense system, representing a breakthrough in green IT, uses a unique, in-rack, water-cooling system and with 448 processor cores per rack offers users nearly five times the performance and more than three times the energy efficiency of its predecessor, IBM’s POWER5+ processor-based p575 supercomputer.

The Power 595 will be generally available on May 6.

Brocade unveils DCX Backbone for evolving data center networks

Brocade, the leading provider of data center networking solutions that help enterprises connect and manage their information, today introduced the Brocade DCX Backbone, the first in a new class of high-performance data center networking products designed to address the demanding requirements of the evolving data center.

Built on four generations of proven data center technology and designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Brocade products—including existing McDATA solutions—the Brocade DCX provides industry breakthroughs in terms of performance, scalability, and efficiency. As a result, customers can use the Brocade DCX to build data center fabrics that enable extremely high levels of consolidation and cost savings along with lower deployment and operational risk.

The Brocade DCX plays a key role in delivering on the Brocade Data Center Fabric (DCF) architecture announced in October 2007. The Brocade DCF is an architectural framework that allows customers to evolve their data center infrastructures for maximum performance, flexibility, and investment protection, while enabling important industry trends such as server virtualization and the greening of the data center.

Dell offers five server platforms based on Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors

AMD has announced that Dell is now offering five server platforms based on high-performance, energy-efficient Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors. This news follows last week’s announcement that Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors are generally available, and brings the number of available global OEM platforms based on the new processors to 13. Additionally, AMD is announcing today that VMware has completed qualification of Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors for use in VMware ESX and ESXi hypervisor deployments, enabling customers to leverage the latest in VMware virtualization on these server systems.

Dell servers now supporting Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors include the PowerEdge SC1435, 2970, M605 blade server and 6950 platforms, as well as the new PowerEdge T605 tower server. The T605, aimed at small and medium businesses or remote locations, offers features such as hot-plug hard drives, remote management and redundant power supplies, resulting in high-availability systems that help prevent data access loss and increase uptime.

Dell’s PowerEdge SC1435, 2970 and M605 blade server, all two-socket systems, can deliver up to 79 percent better performance compared to systems using dual-core AMD Opteron processors.

Apple ships Final Cut Server

Apple has announced that Final Cut Server, a powerful software solution for media asset management and workflow automation, is now shipping. A scaleable server application, Final Cut Server automatically catalogs large collections of assets, allows searching across multiple disks and SAN volumes and enables viewing, annotation and approval of content from anywhere using a PC or Mac.

Final Cut Server automatically catalogs media and generates thumbnails, poster frames and low-resolution clip proxies for quick browsing in user specified formats. A cross-platform client enables a PC or Mac to use Final Cut Server’s broad search capabilities, which extend from simple keywords to complex combinations of IPTC, XMP and XML metadata. Final Cut Server also configures a range of highly specific access controls that define user permissions on an asset or project basis.

Final Cut Server scales to support workgroups of different sizes, ranging from a two-person post house to a multi-national news organization and can automate as much, or as little, of the production pipeline as needed.

Citrix offers new XenServer pricing

Citrix Systems has announced the availability of Citrix XenServer 4.1, the product line’s first release since Citrix completed the acquisition of XenSource in late 2007. With the new release, Citrix also unveiled a groundbreaking new pricing model that allows customers to deploy an unlimited number of virtual machines per server at a single low price.

The new simplified pricing applies to all editions of XenServer, including the recently announced XenServer Platinum Edition that brings the benefits of the dynamic datacenter to both physical and virtual servers for the first time ever. These enhancements, together with a rapidly expanding list of resellers and strategic infrastructure partners are making virtualization far easier and more affordable for customers of all sizes.

With the new 4.1 release of XenServer, Citrix has removed this roadblock by offering a simple per-server licensing model across the entire XenServer product line. The new pricing applies to the Standard, Enterprise and Platinum editions of Citrix XenServer.

Fujitsu launches new PRIMEQUEST servers

Fujitsu has announced the immediate availability of a new line of mission-critical IA servers, the PRIMEQUEST 520A/540A/580A, built around the newest Dual-Core Intel Itanium 9100 series processor.

Fujitsu also announced that the PRIMEQUEST 580A posted the fastest results in the industry on the two-tier SAP Sales and Distribution (SD) Standard Application Benchmark on a system running Microsoft Windows Server and the SAP ERP application Release 6.0. Through these results, Fujitsu demonstrates that PRIMEQUEST servers deliver the world’s highest performance on the two-tier SAP SD Standard Application Benchmark running both Windows Server and Linux.

To complement the latest operating systems, the PRIMEQUEST 540A and PRIMEQUEST 580A models now include dynamic partitioning, making it possible to dynamically change hardware configurations that support partitioning. With systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.1 and Microsoft Windows Server 2008, dynamic partitioning makes it possible to balance work load among system boards while the systems are still running.

IBM debuts new category of server for Web 2.0 Computing

IBM has introduced an entirely new category of server uniquely designed to address the technology needs of companies that use Web 2.0-style computing to operate massive data centers with tens of thousands of servers.

Companies that operate massive scale-out data centers spend 10 to 30 times more on energy costs per square foot than a typical office building. The energy powers both hundreds of thousands of servers and the air conditioning needed to cool them. The exponential growth of such data centers will continue as streaming video, online gaming and social networks spike Internet traffic, requiring companies to build ever vaster pools of computers that devour energy resources to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
IBM iDataPlex is a new rack system featuring design innovations in cooling and efficiency that can help replace the inefficient “white-box” servers commonly used by Internet companies.

IBM also plans to use iDataplex in its IBM Cloud Computing Centers in other locations such as the IBM Cloud Computing Center at Dublin and at the IBM Almaden Research Center.

Sun and Fujitsu expand SPARC server line

Sun Microsystems and Fujistu have introduced two new servers based on the UltraSPARC T2 Plus processor.
The new enterprise class T5140 and T5240 run on the Solaris 10 operating system and pack dual-socket UltraSPARC T2 processors, which Sun claim beat all x86 systems on enterprise-class applications including Java, ERP, mail and OLTP databases.

“The performance and scalability we’ve designed into these new multi-socket systems with the UltraSPARC T2 Plus and Solaris is jaw dropping,” said John Fowler, executive vice president, Systems Group, Sun Microsystems. “In just two-and-a-half years we’ve increased CMT performance by over 5x without sacrificing space or power efficiency. Customers can now scale more with less whether they’re developing Web 2.0 services or running classic CRM or ERP.”
The servers allow up to 128 virtual servers per system and are fully supported by both Sun and Fujitsu service organisations.

Raritan introduces first intelligent power distribution unit

To address the growing number of power issues in today’s data centers, Raritan has introduced Dominion PX, a next-generation intelligent power distribution unit (PDU), to help companies easily determine the actual power usage and capacity in their data centers, monitor rack temperature and humidity, and power sequence and manage IT equipment from anywhere.

Controlled remotely via a Web browser or command line interface, the Dominion PX meters, in real time, power at both the PDU level and outlet level; delivers alerts based on user-defined thresholds; switches outlets; and supports environmental sensors to monitor temperature and humidity at the rack.

Based on the simple premise that you can’t manage it if you can’t measure it, Raritan’s intelligent PDU provides real-time, detailed outlet-level information on power drawn through individual outlets—where other solutions typically provide only an aggregate view of
power through the PDU as a whole. As a result, IT administrators and facility managers—through the Dominion PX browser-based interface—can obtain detailed information on the actual energy consumed by individual servers.

WD intros faster SATA drive

Western Digital has unveiled the first model of a new line of ultra-swift hard drives, billed to be the fastest SATA HDD available. The VelociRaptor Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk drive is Mac- and PC-compatible.

The VelociRaptor operates at 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and sports 300GB of unformatted capacity. It comes equipped with 16MB of cache. WD says that it’s twice the capacity and a 35 percent performance increase over the previous generation of Raptor drives.

VelociRaptor is actually two 2.5-inch 150GB platters housed in a 3.5-inch “IcePack” mounting frame. Other features of the drive include Rotary Acceleration Feed Forward (RAFF), which optimizes performance in vibration-prone environments, and SecurePark, which parks the recording heads off the disk surface during spin up, spin down and when the drive is off.

VelociRaptor will ship on Alienware’s ALX gaming desktop at the end of April. It will later be sold directly through Western Digital’s website and through resellers in May.

Hitachi unveils high-speed drives with 450GB capacity

Hitachi has unveiled a new enterprise hard disk that promises to offer increased performance and greater capacity. The 450-Gig Ultrastar 15K450 uses perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) technology to become the highest capacity 15,000 RPM enterprise-class hard drive currently available.

The Ultrastar 15K450 is an ideal solution for mission-critical server and storage applications, such as online transaction processing, intensive database queries and other multi-user applications.
The Ultrastar 15K450 is a performance leader, with Hitachi tests indicating a 30 percent improvement in sequential throughput over its predecessor. The drive features average seek times as low as 3.3 milliseconds and the fast rotational speeds reduce average latency time to 2 milliseconds, enabling customers to access data more quickly and efficiently. The new drive will ship with either 3Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or 4Gb/s Fibre Channel (FC) interfaces.

The Ultrastar 15K450 will be shipping this quarter to customers worldwide.

Buffalo Unveils LinkStation Mini

Buffalo Technology has announced the latest addition to its high performance line of storage devices: the dual drive LinkStation Mini (LS-WS1.0TGL/R1). With its sleek, compact and light form factor, the new LinkStation Mini puts a massive 1TB in the palm of your hand while offering the same great features and protection that Buffalo’s award-winning NAS devices are known for.

The new LinkStation Mini is the perfect space-saving solution for storing and sharing large amounts of digital content. Best of all, its dual drive configuration provides complete data redundancy through RAID 1. In addition, users with a large media library will appreciate the included DLNA server by TwonkyVision, so they can stream files through any DLNA compatible media player.
To best enjoy your multimedia content, the LinkStation Mini is built without any fan. This fan-less design ensures absolutely quiet operation. The fan-less design is also a big plus if the unit is placed on a desk.

Low power consumption goes hand in hand with the fan-less design, resulting in only 10W overall in operational mode- a benefit to those who leave the unit running day and night.

Transcend introduces 16GB JetFlash 168 in India

Transcend Information has announced the availability of an artistic new addition to its high-speed line of USB flash drives—the 16GB JetFlash 168 in India. Inspired by ancient oriental culture, the JetFlash 168 represents a delicate balance of cutting-edge technology and exquisite transitional beauty. Its compact dimensions (61mm x 18.6mm x 9.8mm) and lightweight design make the JetFlash 168 easy and practical to carry around on a daily basis.

The JetFlash 168 is part of Transcend’s High Speed line of JetFlash drives that offer amazingly fast transfer rates and support for Windows Vista ReadyBoost technology which lets you use your flash drive as extra memory to speed up your computer.

The 16GB JetFlash 168 is compact and conveniently shaped for easy carrying, and plugs directly into the USB port on your desktop or notebook to transfer and store files quickly and easily. The JetFlash 168 is now available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities.

Memorex unveils Ultra TravelDrive line of USB hard drives in India

Memorex, a portfolio brand of Imation Corp, has announced the availability of its ruggedly designed Ultra TravelDrive line of USB hard drives in India. The compact, high-capacity Ultra TravelDrive, based on 2.5-inch hard drive technology, delivers up to 160GB of capacity for consumers’ computer storage and backup needs.

The Ultra TravelDrive is available in 120GB and 160GB capacities—offering consumers significant storage and back-up capacity for data, photos, music and video, all in a device that fits easily into the palm of a hand and weighs approximately half a pound. The USB interface ensures that the Ultra TravelDrive is compatible with virtually any desktop or laptop, whether Mac or PC. A USB connection also is the only power source required for the Ultra TravelDrive, with no additional power supply needed.

A cool blue LED light illuminates when the Ultra TravelDrive is plugged into any computer’s USB port and flashes during data transfer, so you always know when the drive is in use.

Intransa unveils next-gen IP video storage

Intransa Inc has announced its latest shared and scalable external IP storage products for video and IT storage users including a Video Storage Administrator (VSA) toolset, the EdgeBlock M12 edge storage recording platform and other offerings that support the new M12 module.

Intransa’s VSA toolset enables video surveillance, industrial video and other video storage users to quickly setup and benefit from an Intransa IP storage solution without any previous IT or storage management experience. The newly announced Intransa EdgeBlock M12 is an ideal platform for the edge, recording directly from IP-enabled surveillance cameras or through standard DVRs and NVRs.

The Intransa VSA toolset and the EdgeBlock M12 affordably and modularly scale from as little as 4TB up to 1,500TB (1.5PB) of RAID-protected, high performance external recording capacity. Customers require less overall capacity than with DVR/NVR-only solutions and are able to dramatically increase retention periods, store video at maximum resolution and frame rates and are ensured always-available recording.

WD My Passport drives available in rainbow of fashion colors

Challenging the status quo, Western Digital has introduced 10 “fresh” new colours for its My Passport Essential portable USB drives. The new colours include: brilliant orange, super sunny yellow, deep viola, raindrop blue, arctic white, cherry red, ultra mint, real red, intense blue, and vibrant pink.

Weighing in at less than 5 ounces, My Passport Essential USB drives are simple to use and put almost a third of a terabyte of digital storage in the palm of your hand. The drives require no power adapter—they are powered directly through the USB cable. Equipped with sync and encryption software for easy file transfer, the mega-capacity of the My Passport Essential drive makes it simple to securely carry thousands of songs, videos or photos.

Available now in India through select WD’s distributors as well as at select retail stores and online retailers, the drives are offered in capacities of 120 GB, 160GB, 250GB and 320GB for Rs. 4,200, Rs. 4,700, Rs. 6,800 and Rs. 9,500 respectively.

LaCie offers new triple interface hard disk

LaCie has announced the latest model of its Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton—a new triple interface version consisting of USB 2.0, eSATA, and Firewire 400 in capacities of 500 gigabytes (GB), 750GB and 1 terabyte. Created exclusively for LaCie by noted designer Neil Poulton, the sleek and compact device is fashioned in a black-mirrored finish and includes a unique blue LED strip that creates a rich ambient glow to enhance the storage experience.

The Hard Disk is a compact desktop solution that features natural heat dissipation thanks to a sturdy casing with bottom plate holes for natural airflow. The device can connect to any universal Hi-Speed USB 2.0, eSATA, or FireWire 400 interface port for cross-platform compatibility with either a PC or Mac. Plug and play setup is simple and efficient with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Mac OS X 10.3 or higher. The 500GB triple interface Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton can store up to 710 movies, 135,000 songs, or 550,000 photos.

NetApp StoreVault brightens up intense lighting

NetApp has announced that Intense Lighting has streamlined its storage system architecture, enhanced performance, and improved efficiencies managing its business critical data with the StoreVault S500 storage solution with SnapManager software for SQL and Microsoft Exchange 2000 servers.

Intense Lighting provides specification-grade lighting fixtures for a wide range of projects, and has experienced tremendous growth as a company since 2001. In fact, company-wide data has grown by 70% in the last year alone. The company’s IT staff manages 37 computers, six HP servers, and more than 500 gigabytes (GB) of direct-attached storage.

The StoreVault S500 is a scalable all-in-one networked storage appliance that is customized for midmarket companies at a price point that fits midmarket budgets. With its intuitive Windows graphical user interface, the StoreVault S500 is easy to install and simple to manage, while providing enterprise-class networked storage functionality. The StoreVault S500 has been deployed across a wide range of industries to solve the growing customer challenges of data growth, data protection, and data management.

SanDisk adds RSA Token to
USB drive

SanDisk has announced the ability to deploy, store and use RSA SecurID software tokens from RSA, The Security Division of EMC, on SanDisk Cruzer Enterprise USB flash drives. Now available for order, this “two-for-one” solution gives users a single device for secure data storage and two-factor authentication, an alternative to carrying both a flash drive and a separate hardware authenticator.

Cruzer Enterprise is managed by SanDisk’s CMC (Central Management & Control) server software, making it easy for IT managers to provision and monitor flash drives throughout their lifecycle. At the same time, Cruzer Enterprise flash drives that contain RSA SecurID software tokens provide two-factor authentication capabilities for remote and mobile network access—requiring something users have (the one-time passcode generated on the drive, used with or without a PIN) and something users know (the drive’s password).

SanDisk has certified interoperability between Cruzer Enterprise Flash Drives and RSA SecurID technology through the RSA Secured Partner Program, which enables interoperability partners to embed RSA technology within their products and solutions.

Seagate delivers first 1TB drive with SAS interface

Seagate has announced it has begun worldwide shipment of its 1 terabyte (TB) enterprise-class Barracuda ES.2 hard drives with a Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) interface. Applications addressing rich media content and collaborative applications like email can benefit from the average 135% performance boost over SATA-interface drives along with robust enterprise features and native compatibility. SAS also enables greater system-design and integration flexibility for solution providers who are eager to offer even greater value options to their customers.

With the introduction of the Barracuda ES.2 drive, Seagate is first to provide customers with a SAS interface option in addition to its SATA model, which began shipping last year. For major system providers, SAS offers greater levels of data integrity and performance for business-critical and nearline enterprise environments.

The Barracuda ES.2 drive family operates at 7,200-rpm spin speeds, delivers average seek times of 8.5ms, and delivers up to 1TB of capacity with other models available in 500GB and 750GB. It includes Seagate’s five-year limited warranty.

Fujifilm expands pro portfolio with dual layer media for XDCAM

FUJIFILM Recording Media USA has introduced Fujifilm Dual Layer media for the XDCAM Professional Disc System. FUJIFILM’s new media are high-capacity, Blu-ray-based optical recording disc for use with Sony XDCAM and XDCAM HD video systems. This dual-layer version of the XDCAM Professional Disc media offers more than 2X the storage capacity and recording capabilities of the original single-layer optical media.

The FUJIFILM dual-layer Professional Disc is guaranteed compatible with XDCAM and XDCAM HD systems and has a total storage capacity of 50 GB to provide professionals up to 4 hours and 30 minutes of high-definition content on the dual-layer disc when shooting in MPEG HD 4:2:0 mode at 18 Mbps, or 3 hours and 20 minutes at 25 Mbps, and 2 hours and 30 minutes at 35 Mbps. In DVCAM mode, users can record about 3 hours and 10 minutes of content onto the dual-layer disc. The media is archive certified for 50 years.

HDS appoints Kerstin Baxter as Director of Volume Channels, APAC

Hitachi Data Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. has announced the appointment of Kerstin Baxter as Director of Volume Channels, Asia Pacific. In her new role, Kerstin will be responsible for driving the expansion strategy for Hitachi Data System’s growing volume channel business in Asia Pacific with respect to key global and regional partnerships like Acer, Ingram Micro, as well as with newly-identified players from the small and medium business.

Kerstin brings a proven track record to her new role. Most recently, she was the Channel Director of Hitachi Data Systems in Australia and New Zealand, where Kerstin was responsible for developing and expanding Hitachi Data Systems’ channel program to bring enterprise-class storage solutions to large and small organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand. Prior to that, Kerstin spent ten years at Microsoft Australia in various leadership and sales-focused roles. She was responsible for developing and executing Microsoft’s Partner strategy and was successful in exceeding the business targets by effectively leveraging its partner communities.

Cisco, EMC partner on data security

Cisco and EMC have announced the intention to expand their strategic alliance to offer customers holistic data security solutions that span different layers of the information technology (IT) infrastructure, including storage, servers, networks and data center security.

The companies plan to build on their existing collaboration to develop integrated products, services and best practices by taking advantage of resources and technology from Cisco, EMC, and RSA, the Security Division of EMC. These will be designed to provide customers with the ability to discover, secure, track and enforce the usage of sensitive data stored in the data center and at desktop and server endpoints, as well as while sensitive data is transmitted across enterprise networks.
Cisco and RSA also intend to continue to collaborate in the area of data center security, data encryption and key management. Customers will soon be able to encrypt data-at-rest stored on tapes and virtual tapes through the integration of Cisco MDS 9000 Storage Media Encryption (SME) and the RSA Key Manager.

Infineon sells HDD chip business to LSI

In a move focusing on its core business, Infineon will sell its hard-disk drive chip business to LSI Corp. LSI will take over Infineon’s HDD business which designs, manufactures and markets devices for hard disk drives, such as read channels and controller ASICs. The planned transaction includes customer relations as well as expertise; beyond that, Infineon will grant an IP license to LSI. In addition, the deal includes a service agreement. However, it does not include the transfer of employees.

For LSI, the takeover is intended to strengthen the company’s position in the market for hard disk drive silicon solutions. The move is expected to close during the second quarter.

BakBone announces certification with Data Domain

BakBone Software, the leading provider of heterogeneous integrated data protection, is now certified with Data Domain. The combination of BakBone’s award-winning data protection solution, NetVault(R): Backup, and Data Domain’s advanced deduplication storage systems gives customers high-performance, cost-effective data protection that provides concurrent, scalable backup operations; seamless integration; and lower total cost of ownership.

Disk to disk backup enhances performance, increases reliability and provides comprehensive data protection. Data Domain’s deduplication storage systems address a broad range of nearline storage application workloads including disk backup, archiving and network-based disaster recovery.

By pairing NetVault: Backup’s data protection solution with Data Domain’s deduplication storage systems, organizations can efficiently address the full range of their data protection needs while achieving average data compression rates of 20x. The combination of BakBone and Data Domain products has already helped many organizations better manage data.

Broadcom acquires Sunext Design

Broadcom Corporation, a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, has announced that it has acquired Sunext Design, a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Sunext Technology Company Limited (“Sunext Technology”), and has licensed certain optical disk reader and writer technology from Sunext Technology. Sunext Technology is a privately-held fabless semiconductor company that specializes in optical storage technologies.

High definition optical disc players are emerging as a popular platform for in-home entertainment worldwide by combining the benefits of a high definition viewing experience with the convenience and familiarity of DVD media. Sunext single-chip front-end technology is a strong complement to the industry-leading Broadcom system-on-a-chip (SoC) back-end Blu-ray Disc platform, and key to an integration roadmap that will drive the cost of these devices down to levels that enable widespread consumer adoption of high definition optical disc players and recorders.

Brocade collaborates with Intel

Brocade, the leader in data center networking solutions that help enterprises connect and manage their information, has announced that it will be working with Intel Corporation to deliver next-generation server adapters for evolving data center networks.

Brocade will provide its storage networking software technology and expertise, along with Intel’s 10 Gigabit Enhanced Ethernet server adapter hardware, to deliver high-performance Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) server connectivity. The announcement advances the Brocade Data Center Fabric (DCF) architecture for high performance, multiprotocol data center networks.

The Brocade approach will provide customers with a new server connectivity option to seamlessly protect and extend their current investments in Storage Area Networks (SANs). The evolving FCoE standard is currently being worked on and supported by more than 15 Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA) members, including Brocade.

EMC to acquire Iomega

EMC and Iomega have announced a definitive agreement for EMC to acquire San Diego-based Iomega in a cash tender offer of $3.85 per outstanding share, or approximately $213 million. The addition of Iomega’s products, brand name, route to market and industry expertise will enhance EMC’s reach and focus in the rapidly-growing consumer and small business markets.

EMC intends to commence the tender offer in the next two weeks, with completion of the tender offer expected in the second quarter of 2008, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The acquisition is expected to have no material impact on EMC financial results for the full 2008 fiscal year.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Iomega will serve as the core of EMC’s new Consumer/Small Business Products Division. The new division (led by Jonathan Huberman and reporting to Joel Schwartz, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMC Storage Platforms) will also include EMC Retrospect and EMC LifeLine software. EMC plans to build the division around the strength of the Iomega organization, brand, products and partner ecosystem.

Dell completes MessageOne acquisition

Dell has announced the completion of its $155 million acquisition of MessageOne, Inc., an industry leader in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) enabled enterprise-class e-mail business continuity, compliance, archiving and disaster recovery services. The acquisition is a part of the company’s strategy to use SaaS applications and remote management tools to deliver configure-to-order IT infrastructure services to commercial customers over the Internet.

With its acquisition of SilverBack Technologies, Inc., Everdream Corp., ASAP Software Express, Inc. and now MessageOne, Dell is architecting an integrated service delivery platform of SaaS applications that will enable it to remotely monitor, maintain, troubleshoot and address the majority of routine IT infrastructure issues that challenge businesses of all sizes.

Dell’s MessageOne solutions include E-mail Management Services (EMS), which ensure seamless continuity by keeping Outlook and wireless messaging systems running even when Exchange and Active Directory are down and AlertFind, which provides emergency notification and crisis communication services for businesses.

IBM acquires Diligent

IBM has announced it has acquired Diligent Technologies, a privately held storage “de-duplication” technology company headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts with research and development located in Tel Aviv, Israel. Diligent’s technologies and employees will become part of the IBM System Storage business unit of the IBM Systems and Technology Group. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Diligent develops in-line data de-duplication software that is integrated with server and storage infrastructures to help organizations significantly reduce the amount and cost of physical storage required in data centers. Enterprise and mid-sized organizations are faced with data centers that are reaching a breaking point of complexity and manageability, while at the same time experiencing explosive demands for storage for new data, transactions, email and back-up files.

Stellar to set up its USA subsidiary

Stellar Information Systems, a leading company of data recovery products and services announced to set up of its branch office in New Jersey, and the east coast of the United States of America. The office will be officially inaugurated in the second quarter of 2008. Stellar is the first Indian Data Recovery Company to open an office in the United States. The new office will have Class 100 Clean Room facility and will provide support and service to existing customers and new customers.

“As expected increased demand for our products in the American market, we are proud to create our new office in New Jersey. Having a direct presence in the US will help us win the confidence of our partners and increase our share market. U.S., in fact, is very strategic market considering our long-term plan for this market, “said Sunil Chandna, CEO, Stellar Information Systems Ltd.

The office of the United States of America and the world enterprises will be carried out through subsidiary Stellar Data Recovery Inc. The technique of highly qualified personnel for this centre will be from India. The operations and business development team will be composed of local professionals.

Tandberg Data partners with StorIT

Tandberg Data Asia has announced a strategic partnership agreement for distribution sales with StorIT Data Storage Solutions (StorIT), a focused and specialized storage value added distributor in India. With combined synergies and strong product portfolios, both companies target to strengthen their focus at addressing the growing midrange market for data storage in India.

“India is an important market for Tandberg Data, and over the years we have built a strong presence and market share. Partnering with StorIT will further strengthen our presence and opens new opportunities in this fast growing market,” said Mr Raymond Kang, Managing Director of Tandberg Data Asia. “I am confident that this distribution agreement with StorIT will achieve a high level of synergy in our long term business in India.”

This strategic partnership sees both companies focusing on enhancing their current resellers with added storage knowledge and technical capability and at the same time striving to reach a new frontier with recruitment of new resellers and launching of new products in April 2008. Tandberg Data Asia and StorIT will embark on a strong and aggressive go-to-market strategy in the ever-challenging Indian storage market and aim to achieve maximum sales revenues for this year.