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NetApp Introduces Tape-Emulating Disk Storage: Page 2 of 2

Despite such altruistic goals, NetApp has a more pressing reason to come out with a virtual tape library product now: hanging on to customers. "This is a very natural move for them," says Bob Abraham, analyst with storage research firm Freeman Reports. Abraham says the fact that the likes of IBM, EMC, and HP all have introduced virtual tape library products left NetApp with no choice but to strike a counter blow to keep its competitors from poaching its customers. Still, Abraham says NetApp may be distinguishing itself with the Decru encryption technology, which he believes is ahead of the competition. For instance, Quantum has said it will introduce native encryption in tape drives, but that technology isn't expected until later this year.

The NearStore virtual tape library comes in two configurations. A single-processor version, the NearStore VTL600, delivers 4.5 terabytes of storage on an appliance that lists for $114,000. The VTL600 array can be expanded up to 84 terabytes by purchasing additional 4.5-terabyte shelves for $24,000 each. The NearStore VTL1200 delivers 9 terabytes of storage in a core appliance that costs $170,000, and it can be expanded to as much as 168 terabytes by adding 9 terabyte shelves at $48,000 each.