Articles in this issue

• Quantum Vision Sets Sights on Single Point of Management
• Long Term Data Retention – 5 Key Considerations
• Quantum Celebrates Shipment of 20,000th Scalar i500
• Mediaset Scores a Winning Goal with Quantum StorNext

Quantum iLayer Advantages

Quantum is the world wide leader in tape automation and holds the #1 market share position for libraries with 100-1000 slots (IDC). To date, 20,000 Scalar i500 libraries alone have been shipped! One of the reasons for the huge success of the Scalar series libraries is the intelligent iLayer software embedded into the libraries. iLayer delivers unmatched advanced diagnostics, ease of manageability with disk devices and impenetrable security features. It’s easy to understand from the key features outlined below, why Quantum libraries are the number one choice of IT Managers world-wide.

iLayer Manageability Features

Most library administrators are primarily concerned with being able to access their data whenever they want it, without the hassle of drive, media or library interruption.

Quantum’s Scalar series libraries deliver a unique approach to meeting this challenge. A server class controller resides in each Scalar library upon which iLayer software is embedded to deliver best-in-class management and monitoring. The iLayer software monitors hundreds of events occurring within the library and gives the customer detailed explanations of exactly what is occurring within the library at any point in time, proactively notifying the customer of library, drive, and media status. No other tape library vendor can provide this level of management integrated into the library.

Just a few of the iLayer manageability features are highlighted below:

These features enable the administrator to maximize the performance and reliability of backups and save considerable time.

Security Features

You’ve been tasked with storing significantly more data in order to comply with government regulation. Now you are archiving data to tape for its low cost, low power consumption and portability advantages, but how do you know data stored on tape is secure?

The answer is implementing an encryption solution supported on Quantum Scalar i500 and Scalar i2000 libraries with LTO-4 drives. Encryption ensures that no one can access the data stored on tape without the correct key or password. Implementing an encryption solution requires the user to utilize a key management solution, and there are 3 choices to consider:

• Key management functionality in an ISV application. This is best utilized when using a single library as key management is tied to one library and requires the user to keep track of the key passcodes.
• Centralized key management solution such as the Quantum encryption key manager. This solution is best used when a user is encrypting data across multiple libraries and desires a hands off process.
• Appliance based key management. The most secure and expensive method of key management.

Ease of Managing Tape and Disk Together

Chances are you have implemented a multi tiered backup approach which allows you to capitalize on the fast backup and quick restores capabilities that disk solutions provide, coupled with the low cost, low power advantages and secure portability that tape delivers for long term storage. Now the challenge is managing a backup infrastructure consisting of multiple tape and disk devices.

The solution to simplified management of tiered storage environments is single pane of glass management and monitoring. Quantum Vision software solves this issue by enabling a user to monitor and manage multiple Quantum disk and tape devices from one screen. In addition to the Quantum Vision software the Scalar i500 and i2000 support the SMI-S protocol which enables them to easily integrate into existing SRM products giving you the tools to manage devices seamlessly, without additional IT overhead.

Quick Specs

Not sure which Quantum Scalar library is right for your environment?

Here are some quick specs to help guide you: