Tandberg ProStor RDX Removable HDD With CDP (and now at 500GB)

Tandberg Data introduced RDX FileKeeper, an easy-to-use software solution for the RDX QuikStor that provides transparent, ‘always-on’ continuous protection of user data and a complete backup of all system and application data. Tandberg Data also announced the availability of the 500GB RDX® QuikStor cartridges.

The RDX QuikStor is a disk based removable storage system with portable cartridges that offer rugged, reliable and convenient backup, ideal for the SMB market. It combines the benefits of tape — reliability, portability, archive life, and low cost — with the performance, speed, random access, and ease of use of hard disk technology. With the new RDX FileKeeper software, protecting data is as simple as ‘plug it in, leave it in and leave it on’. Tandberg Data will ship the RDX FileKeeper, at no extra cost, with all RDX QuikStor drive kits.

“Research has shown that 40% of SMB’s don’t back up their data at all, and 60% of all data is stored on PC desktops and laptops”, says Bharat Kumar, vice president of marketing and development at Tandberg Data. “Furthermore, most business users who do have a back-up device do not back up their data on a daily or even weekly basis. A third of computer users lose all files due to events beyond their control, and hard drive crashes occur every 15 seconds. A plug and play, ruggedized device that offers CDP, automatically, will be able to prevent disastrous data loss.”

The RDX closely follows the development of mobile hard disks. The 500GB capacity (native), the largest ruggedized disk in its class, will allow customers with larger data sets to rapidly store their data.

RDX FileKeeper
The RDX FileKeeper’s installation is 2 easy steps and setup is simple enough that anyone can start protecting their data immediately.  After installation, RDX FileKeeper automatically configures the RDX QuikStor. When the cartridge is inserted, RDX FileKeeper will ask how the user would like the cartridge to be configured. The Cartridge can be configured for only System Backup, only continuous backup of user files or both (which is default). If both are selected, a full system backup is scheduled by default for 11:00pm and the RDX FileKeeper product will immediately start a background copy of all files that are to be protected.  Any additional configuration changes can be made through the main interface.

It is an all too common mistake to accidentally overwrite an important document. With the file versioning and roll back capabilities, mistakes are easily erased. Restoring files is as simple as right clicking a mouse in Windows Explorer. This will allow users to restore deleted files or previous versions of your files.  The other way to restore data is through the RDX FileKeeper Control Panel – where searches for files can be performed when users do not know their location.

In the event of hardware failure where a full system recovery is needed, RDX FileKeeper has the ability to boot off of the RDX QuikStor and perform a Bare Metal Disaster Recovery on Windows 2008 and Windows Vista environments. Other Windows versions can create a Boot CD to use in the event that a Bare Metal Disaster recovery is needed.

Setting the standard in removable disk
Since the introduction of the RDX QuikStor in 2007, Tandberg Data has shipped more than 80.000 drives worldwide, with 250.000 cartridges. Tandberg Data has worked together with various global and local OEMs who have adopted the RDX QuikStor and are offering it in their workstations and solutions. RDX backup and data retention solutions have captured 90 percent of the removable disk market for business server and workstation backup. A recent IDC report estimates that revenue from removable disk solutions will exceed $500 million by 2012.

About the RDX QuikStor
The RDX QuikStor is designed to replace current low-end tape technologies such as Travan, DAT, and AIT, where ease of use and cost are prioritized.  Like tape, the RDX QuikStor cartridges are removable and portable for off-site storage, disaster recovery and archival applications. Unlike other low-end tape media that may need to be replaced after 50-100 uses, RDX QuikStor media has been built to endure over 10 years of average use.

As well as offering professional-class reliability, the native 45MB/sec transfer rate reduces the traditional backup window from hours to minutes.  For example, it takes the Tandberg RDX QuikStor system less than an hour to backup 160GB of native data and milliseconds to access files. RDX QuikStor cartridges range in capacity from 80GB, 160GB, 320GB and 500GB.  They are fully forward and backward compatible without limitation, meaning that future cartridges with ever-increasing capacities and faster data rates will work in legacy systems.

Pricing and Availability
The RDX FileKeeper software will be bundled with all RDX QuikStor drive kits and will be available through Tandberg Data’s established channel of distribution and reseller partners in September ‘08. The manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the RDX QuikStor with a 500GB cartridge including all necessary accessories and RDX FileKeeper backup software is $699. The MSRP of the 500GB cartridge is $499.

The prices of the RDX QuikStor start at $299 for a drive with an 80GB cartridge. Cartridge prices start at $149 for 80GB.