Fujitsu Siemens Computers announces the second generation of its FibreCAT TX24 and TX48 magnetic tape systems emphasizing multiple green characteristics.

Saving to tape is generally more energy-efficient than saving to a hard disk, because no significant amount of power is consumed unless data is read or written to the tape. For the new FibreCAT TX S2 systems, the company has also focused on maintaining low power consumption when in operation, the use of environmentally friendly materials, as well as high and easy scalability, which results in a longer service life for the devices. Small and mid-sized companies can now cover different linear tape-open (LTO) generations with the new systems, automatically save their data with high reliability and protect their investments. The FibreCAT TX24 S2 and TX48 S2 will be available from certified Fujitsu Siemens Computers channel partners starting in June.
 
Although tape is an energy-efficient storage medium, many of the components in a tape library can still be optimized in terms of power consumption and environmental friendliness, as the new tape systems from Fujitsu Siemens Computers show. The fan, for example, runs only when it’s actually needed and the motors for the robots have also been geared to low energy use. The company also uses recyclable materials and even undercuts the European RoHs guidelines (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) in the use of critical substances. In addition, the sturdy, highly reliable devices don’t require batteries and have a long service life because they can be used with different LTO generations.
 
“The second generation of our FibreCAT TX systems also shows that high-quality technology and environmentally friendly, energy-efficient systems are not mutually exclusive, but can complement each other brilliantly,” says Dr. Helmut Beck, Vice President Storage Business at Fujitsu Siemens Computers. “Our customers benefit in two ways; they get future-proof, reliable devices that work with the latest storage technology, and these devices are also state-of-the-art in terms of environmental compatibility.”
 
SAS interface
The FibreCAT TX S2 devices are equipped with SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interfaces, which means they use the most current, future-proof standard for high data transfer rates and trouble-free transmission. Fujitsu Siemens Computers also plans to market the systems with SCSI and Fibre Channel connections so that users can choose the interface to the server individually.
 
The FibreCAT TX24 S2 takes up just two standard height units in a 19-inch rack and is able to store data unattended for close to five weeks with up to 24 data cartridges. If necessary, the system can also be upgraded from 12 to 24 cartridges with a software license. The device can be equipped with up to two drives for LTO-3 or LTO-4 and has a maximum storage capacity of 38.4 TB (compressed).
 
The FibreCAT TX48 S2 offers up to 48 cartridge slots. Based on 24 slots to start with, the remaining 24 can be activated easily with a software license on the Internet. The device is equipped with up to four LTO-3/-4 drives and can store up to 76.8 TB of (compressed) data. Two power connections enhance the high availability of the system, which also supports partitioning. Individual drives and cartridges can be allocated to specific servers, which loosely translates into virtualizing the tape library.
 
Study on Nearline storage confirms focus on LTO
Commissioned by Fujitsu Siemens Computers, TNS Infratest surveyed 154 decision-makers and IT staff in small and mid-sized enterprises on their Nearline storage systems and plans. The results indicate that companies continue to rely on tape storage technology in the field of Nearline storage. This is mainly because this system presents a more economical medium to store infrequently used data. Without a doubt, users clearly prefer LTO-3 to DAT drives. Another major factor is the number of cartridge slots.
The study can be downloaded at: http://docs.fujitsu-siemens.com/dl.aspx?id=e540911a-43f8-4538-92dc-b1b1d0cef0bf
 
The FibreCAT TX systems – automatic backup for mid-sized enterprises
The FibreCAT TX08, TX24 and TX48 have been designed specifically to meet the needs of small and mid-sized enterprises. Automated tape change eliminates the human error involved in manually loading the tapes and reduces the time required for data storage. The compact FibreCAT TX systems normally are used in a 19-inch rack and the necessary equipment comes with the system. The devices also can be operated conveniently by remote control via a Web interface. A graphical user interface facilitates administration as well as configuration and error diagnosis. The price also includes a one-year on-site service agreement along with many extras, such as an import/export slot and a built-in barcode reader.
 
 
Fujitsu Siemens Computers