Imation Introducing DataGuard Secure Backup NAS for SMBs

Imation Corp. introduced purpose-built backup appliances designed to enable SMBs to safeguard their information with multiple levels of data protection from a single backup infrastructure.

                  DataGuard R4

The DataGuard Model R4 and DataGuard Model T5 appliances utilize hard drives, removable RDX disk cartridges, replication and cloud storage to deliver enterprise data protection at a price point that is affordable for SMBs.

The introduction offers a solution for a common SMB challenge when adding cloud capability as a new tier within a data protection and backup strategy.

"Cloud is very compelling, but the initial data transfer to a cloud service encounters very real limitations – large amounts of data and limited bandwidth," said Ian Williams, vice president, Global Marketing and Product Management, Imation. "This initial transfer – known as cloud seeding – can take weeks over an Internet connection depending on the data footprint. Imation’s DataGuard appliances eliminate this issue, as customers can physically transport an RDX cartridge o a cloud provider for initial seeding, and integrated software manages periodic checks to ensure the cloud backup is current."

Imation’s solution set, including a practical approach to a cloud tier for backup, meets a demand among SMBs for an appliance that ensures data protection, regulatory compliance and disaster recovery. Imation DataGuard solutions deliver a NAS-based disk drive appliance with a combination of data security, flexibility and simplicity.

Using DataGuard R4 or DataGuard T5R appliances,
SMBs benefit from:

• Protection – SMBs can replicate data to a second DataGuard appliance at another site or store offsite on RDX removable disks.
• Leveraging existing investments – DataGuard appliances integrate with existing backup and disaster recovery infrastructure, including most backup applications.
• Reduced recovery time – Onsite copies enable fast full restores to meet recovery time objectives and offsite copies ensure quick disaster recovery.

"Imation’s DataGuard appliances are at the forefront of addressing the major concerns that SMBs have about protecting their data," said Jerome Wendt, lead analyst and president, DCIG. "By enabling users to take full advantage of the backup infrastructure they currently have in place, Imation provides a media agnostic solution for users to solve their backup challenges of today while acting as a bridge to protecting and storing their data in the cloud tomorrow."

Enabling Cloud Storage
DataGuard R4 and DataGuard T5R appliances are compatible with many cloud storage APIs, including those from Amazon S3, Dropbox and OpenStack-based cloud providers. Once a cloud backup is seeded by shuttling RDX cartridges, DataGuard supports remote backups, and SMBs can automate protection since backup to cloud storage is performed without human intervention once it is initially configured.

"Many SMBs are intrigued by cloud computing and understand the cost and operational efficiencies that cloud storage can deliver, but struggle to incorporate cloud into their existing backup infrastructure," said Bill Schilling, director, Scalable Storage Marketing, Imation. "Imation’s DataGuard solution offers a gateway to the cloud, enabling SMBs to easily protect their valuable data."

Imation DataGuard Model R4 and DataGuard Model T5R are available through Imation’s network of channel partners.

"Cranel Imaging is excited about the addition of DataGuard appliances to Imation’s scalable storage solutions," said Scott Slack, vice president of Marketing, Cranel Imaging. "The DataGuard appliance is compelling because it allows users to backup data on-premise today and will ultimately provide the ability to direct backups to the cloud."