Emulating tape

Hitachi Data Systems has recently launched its virtual tape library (VTL) for high-end systems used by large organisations. Hitachi claims that the solution will allow organisations to use disk based backup rather than tape, saving time and storage space. The solution has been launched with the help of Diligent Technologies.

For large organisations with tons of data to store, mirror or archive, this VTL solution could prove to be a blessing. Avoiding downtime has been a constant concern for large organisations. So far, the use of tapes for backup and recovery has resulted in relatively higher downtime and backup windows. With data on disks being accessible much faster, companies can save time.

According to Hitachi, the new VTL solution eliminates blocks of data that may have been stored several times. Thus, the physical storage needs of organisations may also be cut down drastically. Another claim from the manufacturer says that the customer will not need to change the storage infrastructure as the solution only enables existing storage of recovery applications to use disk rather than tape-based storage.

The majority of the market uses tape as its primary medium of backup. VTL solutions may not pose an immediate threat to the tape market. Companies however should make the final decision based on their priorities of downtime versus low cost.