Quantum Corp. announced the first public demonstration of select capabilities of its planned software option based on the Veritas NetBackup OpenStorage API from Symantec. This live demonstration at the Symantec Vision conference this week highlights disk-as-disk backup and image duplication using Quantum's DXi7500 enterprise disk-based backup system with its OpenStorage API plug-in.

The collaborative technology demonstration underscores Quantum's goal to provide customers a set of tools that off-load key backup lifecycle operations (such as tape creation or image duplication) from media servers while maintaining the independent management of multiple data images across distributed sites and through NetBackup 6.5. Quantum and Symantec's integration of these offerings will allow customers to expand the strategic role of disk in backup, simplify backup lifecycle management and save time and money by allowing disk-based backup and replication systems to be more easily integrated into a tiered storage architecture.

"The long-standing and successful relationship between Quantum and Symantec offers customers a flexible and powerful solution for data protection," said Matt Kixmoeller, vice president of product management, Symantec Data Protection Group. "Our collaboration with Quantum on the development of their NetBackup OpenStorage plug-in enables NetBackup customers to realize the true value of the advanced features of the Quantum DXi7500 disk backup system."

Through ongoing development with the Symantec OpenStorage Initiative, the resulting Quantum software plug-in will extend the capabilities of its DXi-Series platform. The plug-in will allow for the creation of duplicate backup images between multiple DXi systems, with management, cataloging and tracking of data handled completely through NetBackup, whether the data is ultimately stored on disk or on tape.

The companies are also highlighting direct tape creation using the NetBackup 6.5 Direct to Tape feature in exhibit demonstrations. Available today as an option on the DXi7500 for NetBackup users, Quantum has fully qualified integrated, direct tape creation with the NetBackup 6.5 Direct to Tape feature. This important capability can automatically duplicate data written from a VTL to physical tape over a dedicated high performance Fibre Channel connection. In addition, this solution can be combined with LTO-4 tape drives and LTO-4 equipped Quantum tape automation system platforms which have also been fully qualified through NetBackup 6.5 Direct to Tape feature. As a result, customers can now more easily consolidate data for compliance purposes and employ native tape encryption for secure, long-term retention and disaster recovery purposes.

Direct tape creation benefits customers by moving this process out of the backup window and off the media server, as well as by allowing users to manage independent data lifecycle policies or retention periods. Customers may now choose the most appropriate media types for each separate data set based upon service level objectives.

"Quantum is proud to be a partner in the Symantec Technology-Enabled Program, a foundational supporter of the NetBackup OpenStorage Initiative, and a long-time collaborator with Symantec's development team," said Janae Lee, vice president of corporate and product marketing for Quantum. "We're particularly excited about the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits thus far of our latest development efforts to the thousands of Symantec Vision attendees this week. This joint solution will deliver greater flexibility, tighter integration and more efficient utilization of disk- and tape-based resources throughout the entire backup lifecycle."