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SMBs Balk at Backup

Storage vendors have released a flurry of new data protection products recently. But they're finding that SMBs and remote offices aren't always convinced they need to employ virtual tape libraries (VTLs), continuous data protection (CDP), and other disk-based backup products.

Here's a rundown of the latest SMB backup news:

  • HP today unveiled a handful of data protection products for SMBs and remote offices, including a low-end VTL. (See HP Adds Data Protection.) The HP StorageWorks Virtual Library System 1002i (VLS1002i) is a different product family than HP's enterprise VTL, which uses software from startup Sepaton, scales to 70 Tbytes, and uses Fibre Channel connectivity.

    The VLS1002i scales to 1.5 Tbytes (3 Tbytes with compression)and uses iSCSI. The new VTL's pricing begins at $6,100. HP isn't naming its OEM partner, but industry sources say it is Overland Storage (See Overland, OEM Ink Deal .)

    HP also launched a midrange MSL4048 LTO tape library aimed at remote sites that stores up to 19.2 Tbytes, and the vendor has enhanced its Data Protection Express backup software.

    Other data protection products for SMBs and remote offices unveiled this week include the following:

  • FalconStor released a CDP Storage Server kit for remote offices and branch offices. The package is aimed at VARs who want to create appliances for CDP and remote replication in those environments. (See FalconStor Delivers CDP.)
  • Breece Hill started shipping its BizGuardian backup and recovery appliance for SMBs and departments. The appliance includes EMC Retrospect backup and recovery software and combines disk and tape into one box. (See EMC Upgrades Retrospect.)
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