Features: Hitachi Data Systems, a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, has introduced Virtual Tape Library (VTL). VTL is a new approach to optimized data back up and protection made available through a global re-seller agreement with Diligent Technologies.

As part of Hitachi's Application Optimized Storage solutions approach “which matches specific application requirements with storage attributes “ the new solution comprises scalable enterprise-class offerings that emulate tape libraries, enabling existing backup applications to use disk, rather than tape, as their backup medium.

This VTL solution for both mainframe and open systems environments allows customers to enjoy all the advantages of disk-to-disk backup without having to make changes to their existing backup environment, policies, or procedures” with a lower total cost of ownership than conventional tape library technology.

Featuring Diligent's ProtecTIER VT with HyperFactor data de-duplication technology, this VTL solution eliminates redundant data while maintaining 100 per cent data integrity radically reducing physical storage needs by up to 25 times or more.

The new VTL solution by Hitachi Data Systems requires no changes to existing backup policies, practices, or procedures. Because the virtual tape solutions appear to the backup application as one or many real tape libraries, the backup application accesses drives, robotics, and cartridges just as it would a physical tape library. Since the data actually resides on disk, users experience dramatic improvements to backup and recovery operations.

Jack Domme, senior vice president, Global Solutions Strategy and Development, Hitachi Data Systems, said, “Through our tiered storage solutions, we have helped our customers save time and money by enabling them to integrate less expensive storage tiers and improve overall utilization in their storage environments.

Virtual Tape Library by Hitachi Data Systems is yet another proof point in how we are changing the way our customers think about storage solutions and fundamentally altering the way they interact with, secure and store their valuable data assets for the long-term.”