The Fibre Channel SAN hardware vendors tested by Seagate include ADIC, Compaq, Dell, Emulex, Exabyte, Gadzoox, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Overland Data, Qlogic, StorageTek, and Vixel. The tests resulted in an approved configuration that works seamlessly in a Fibre Channel SAN environment and includes certification for Seagate Backup Exec for Windows NT or NetWare with Shared Storage Option, and hardware devices such as Fibre Channel adaptors, bridges and hubs, and tape libraries.
"The Fibre Channel Storage Area Network is quickly emerging as the dominant backup platform for enterprise customers with large-scale storage environments as we move into the next millennium," said Greg Wyman, regional sales director, Seagate Software, Network and Storage Management Group.
According to Wyman, as networks grow and backup data starts impacting LAN performance, visionary Australian companies are rapidly moving toward storage networks that are fast becoming a necessity with large organisations experiencing data overload on the network.
"As the clear benefits become apparent to users, Compaq is experiencing increased local demand for SAN solutions," said Stephen Bovis, marketing manager for Storage at Compaq Computer Australia. "We are working closely with Seagate Software on the certification program, which provides a true benefit by approving end-to-end solutions."
Seagate Backup Exec Shared Storage Option seeks to leverage the benefits of a Fibre Channel SAN. Such benefits include increased backup performance, centralised management, reduced impact on network users, consolidation of storage devices, superior efficiency, scalability and lower total cost of ownership.
Within a SAN, backup traffic no longer needs to pass over the main network, but is instead offloaded to a separate, confined SAN. A dedicated Fibre Channel-Arbitrated Loop within a SAN provides the flexibility to run backup operations more frequently, instead of being restricted to off-peak network times. As a result, business productivity increases as network users no longer need to compete with the backup data traffic for network bandwidth.
"Automation of storage in the form of tape libraries and autoloaders is a key component of a SAN," said Lucas Mueller, regional manager, Exabyte.
"By certifying storage as well as the network components, Seagate Software is providing a true service to end-users in this quickly growing market where standards are crucial." Seagate Backup Exec Shared Storage Option-which requires either Seagate Backup Exec for Windows NT (v7.2 or greater) and Seagate Backup Exec for NetWare (v8.0 or greater) on the Fibre Channel SAN-is currently available at $8056. This price includes support for two Seagate Backup Exec Shared Storage Options and support for two tape drives, through Seagate Software's reseller and distribution partners.
Seagate Software Tel: (02) 9955 4088
www.seagatesoftware.com
