Tape: Lynx LTO 1/8 Autoloader A5040A (LTO 1)
The Lynx Autoloader is really an HP product. In fact on the front panel it says it's a HP StorageWorks 1/8 Autoloader.
The Lynx Autoloader is designed for medium-sized workgroups that have basic storage requirements. The HP Autoloader is designed to store 1.6TB of data and has eight slots that can each hold 200GB LTO 1 cartridges. The unit comes in a 2U rack mountable enclosure.
The Lynx doesn't feature a Web-based management interface nor does it support multiple drives or barcoding. With this model, Lynx decided to keep it simple. Indeed this device was easy to set up, operate, and manage.
All you have to do to get it up and running is attach a SCSI cable from the Autoloader to the server. Your archiving software should then automatically discover the Autoloader and drive and install the necessary drivers. Loading cartridges is a piece of cake--the unit accepts cartridges one at a time.
The menus on the front panel were grouped into four categories: commands, information, configuration, and diagnostic. From the panel you can easily work out how to perform simple actions like importing and exporting cartridges as well as changing SCSI IDs. Lynx took some special care to design the power button, which prevent the Autoloader from being turned off accidentally. The only way you can shut it down is by inserting a pencil into the enclosure where the power switch is.
The Lynx unit we tested uses Linear Tape-Open (LTO) tapes. We were advised the LTO 460 loader is due for release this month. Performance is expected to be the same as the Lynx LTO 460 drive that we tested a few months ago. Basically the LTO 460 loader will feature the same robotics as the product we are featuring in this review, but with the faster drive.
The Lynx Autoloader was the fastest at archiving data, managing a sustained transfer rate of 19.17MBps. It was a different story when it came to restoring data where it only managed 3MBps. As expected, tape proved to be the least expensive technology in cost per GB. At only $1.18 per GB, you can see why it's still the most popular form of media currently being used.
| Product: | Lynx LTO 1/8 Autoloader A5040A (LTO 1) |
| Price: | AU$16,125 |
| Vendor: | Lynx Technologies |
| Phone: | 02 9663 4855 |
| Web: | www.lynxtech.com.au |
| Interoperability: |
Wide software support across all platforms. |
| Futureproofing: |
½
Very fast storing, slow at restoring. Capacities are increasing rapidly. |
| ROI: |
½Least expensive medium. |
| Service: |
1-year return-to-HP warranty, next day exchange. |
| Rating: |
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