Imation Brings Enterprise Data Protection Expertise to SMBs with DataGuard Backup Appliance
Imation tape media has protected the data of enterprises for decades. Now Imation is applying its enterprise data protection expertise to the SMB marketplace through its aptly named DataGuard line of purpose-built backup appliances available in both rack-mount and desktop packages.
Businesses recognize that there are real business risks associated with major data loss. According to a February 2012 IT Manager Survey, "Companies that aren't able to restore their archive or disaster recovery data face significant delays in business activities, lost revenue, and a negative impact on resources. Half of all respondents noted that a data restore problem could put service level agreements with customers at risk."
In spite of these risks, many companies do not have an effective data protection capability in place. Of the 500 IT Managers surveyed, 68% indicated their data was vulnerable in the event of a disaster. One reason many businesses cite as thus far having failed to implement an effective data protection capability is that actually getting this done can become fairly complex.
The Imation DataGuard appliances address this by bringing a new level of simplicity to comprehensive data protection for small and medium sized businesses. One feature that distinguishes the DataGuard from other purpose-built backup appliances is the availability of four layers of data protection in a single appliance. These include:
The DataGuard T5R has an RDX dock integrated into the enclosure. In combination with a set of rugged--and optionally encrypted--RDX cartridges, this provides a straightforward mechanism for implementing "take it home" off-site backup. RDX backups can also be used to "seed" an initial cloud backup or be shipped from a cloud backup provider to speed up recovery after a major data loss. As RDX cartridges hold up to a terabyte of data, this can save hours or even days when doing an initial cloud seed or a recovery when compared to replicating the data.
DataGuard distinguishes itself from other competitive products by supporting backups to popular cloud storage providers such as Amazon S3 and Dropbox. Setting up automated or on-demand backups to these services is very straightforward as each service has its own setup tab with the DataGuard management console. So in addition to providing login credentials the user may choose the folders to be backed up, the type of backup, and the schedule for the backup.
The DataGuard is also the first purpose-built appliance that I have seen with built-in support for OpenStack Object Storage. OpenStack is an open source cloud computing platform for public and private clouds founded by Rackspace Hosting and NASA in 2010.
What makes this notable is that OpenStack has been embraced by more than 150 companies, including Dell, IBM and HP with its new HPCloud offering. DataGuard's support for OpenStack translates to maximum choice in cloud storage providers.
In addition to comprehensive data protection, a key feature that distinguishes the DataGuard from its competitors is four layers of support:
The Imation DataGuard appliances represent a comprehensive data protection solution that accomplishes what their name implies: They guard your data. DataGuard's inclusion of a comprehensive set of capabilities provides many of the on-site feature functionality that every small/midsized business or remote office requires with off-site options available if and when they need them.
Businesses recognize that there are real business risks associated with major data loss. According to a February 2012 IT Manager Survey, "Companies that aren't able to restore their archive or disaster recovery data face significant delays in business activities, lost revenue, and a negative impact on resources. Half of all respondents noted that a data restore problem could put service level agreements with customers at risk."
In spite of these risks, many companies do not have an effective data protection capability in place. Of the 500 IT Managers surveyed, 68% indicated their data was vulnerable in the event of a disaster. One reason many businesses cite as thus far having failed to implement an effective data protection capability is that actually getting this done can become fairly complex.
The Imation DataGuard appliances address this by bringing a new level of simplicity to comprehensive data protection for small and medium sized businesses. One feature that distinguishes the DataGuard from other purpose-built backup appliances is the availability of four layers of data protection in a single appliance. These include:
- Local disk-to-disk
- Site-to-site
- Removable RDX-based storage
- Cloud storage integration
The DataGuard T5R has an RDX dock integrated into the enclosure. In combination with a set of rugged--and optionally encrypted--RDX cartridges, this provides a straightforward mechanism for implementing "take it home" off-site backup. RDX backups can also be used to "seed" an initial cloud backup or be shipped from a cloud backup provider to speed up recovery after a major data loss. As RDX cartridges hold up to a terabyte of data, this can save hours or even days when doing an initial cloud seed or a recovery when compared to replicating the data.
DataGuard distinguishes itself from other competitive products by supporting backups to popular cloud storage providers such as Amazon S3 and Dropbox. Setting up automated or on-demand backups to these services is very straightforward as each service has its own setup tab with the DataGuard management console. So in addition to providing login credentials the user may choose the folders to be backed up, the type of backup, and the schedule for the backup.
The DataGuard is also the first purpose-built appliance that I have seen with built-in support for OpenStack Object Storage. OpenStack is an open source cloud computing platform for public and private clouds founded by Rackspace Hosting and NASA in 2010.
What makes this notable is that OpenStack has been embraced by more than 150 companies, including Dell, IBM and HP with its new HPCloud offering. DataGuard's support for OpenStack translates to maximum choice in cloud storage providers.
In addition to comprehensive data protection, a key feature that distinguishes the DataGuard from its competitors is four layers of support:
- Imation DataGuard appliances are sold through VARs for local support.
- Well written documentation explains the significance of each option if purchasers choose to skip the wizard-based setup.
- The Imation support site provides immediate answers via FAQs and support articles, plus an option to submit a question for email response within 48 hours.
- US-based toll-free phone support is available directly from Imation Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST. Test calls placed by me were promptly directed to a live US-based support engineer
The Imation DataGuard appliances represent a comprehensive data protection solution that accomplishes what their name implies: They guard your data. DataGuard's inclusion of a comprehensive set of capabilities provides many of the on-site feature functionality that every small/midsized business or remote office requires with off-site options available if and when they need them.
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