Quantum launches new Guardian NAS server

BANGALORE: Quantum Corporation has launched Guardian 4400 Network Attached Storage (NAS) server, the latest addition to Quantum's Guardian NAS family of products. Guardian 4400 features maximum RAID 5 transfer rates of 160 megabits/second, hot swappable drives, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and two capacity points, 480GB and 640GB, in a high-density 1U (rack unit) design.

Quantum also introduced Version 2.1 of the Guardian Operating System (OS). This newly enhanced OS, features the addition of Backup Express for Guardian software. Backup Express for Guardian, an embedded software application, allows users to complete a variety of backups within the backup window while reducing network traffic by backing up Guardian servers directly to a SCSI-attached tape drive, or tape library (optional).

With Backup Express for Guardian, the backup process can be easily managed via client-based graphical user interface - bypassing the traditional network-based backup server for more rapid and cost-effective protection. Customers seeking maximum scalability can interconnect up to five Guardian servers via Gigabit Ethernet, and then backup all units to a single tape drive or library.

Quantum will certify integrated storage solutions based upon the Guardian 4400 and Guardian 14000 and its embedded Backup Express for Guardian software matched to complementary Quantum tape library products. The integration of these products will offer resellers a solutions approach to storage - simple installation and management of qualified end-to-end storage solutions.

Initially, Quantum will certify two integrated solutions, targeted for a variety of applications and business needs. The entry-enterprise solution matches a Guardian 14000 with a Quantum ATL M1500 tape library and the workgroup solution matches a Quantum Guardian 4400 integrated with a Quantum SuperLoader.

The new Guardian 4400 is powered by the Guardian OS, now in Version 2.1, featuring the same Linux-based software technology that enabled the Guardian 14000 to outperform the competition in recent benchmark tests performed by eTesting Labs. Building upon Quantum's legacy of easy installation, administration and management, innovations to the Guardian OS continue to ensure rapid implementation in mixed Microsoft, Linux, UNIX and Macintosh environments.

Full support for Microsoft Active Directory Service (ADS) and UNIX Network Information Service (NIS) ensures interoperability with existing enterprise networks. The Guardian 4400 is available immediately through select Quantum resellers. The Guardian 4400 is offered at an estimated price of $ 5,795 for the 640GB server and $ 4,595 for the 480GB server including a standard three-year rapid exchange warranty.

Guardian OS v2.1 with Backup Express for Guardian software is standard in the Guardian 4400 and available to current Guardian 14000 customers via free download and CD. Backup Express for Guardian comes standard with single tape drive support. Tape library support is license key-enabled for library type.