LaserVault Backup D2D Software Available as SaaS

LaserVault
from Electronic Storage Corporation is making its LaserVault
Backup D2D software
available as SaaS.

When companies who use
iSeries systems and backup their data to tape consider changing to
D2D instead of tape, they often remain with tape when faced with two
issues. One is an ‘expected complexity’ of the D2D implementation,
and second is the anticipated cost. This is true even when they may
be experiencing the additional costs of managing tape backups, as
well as the potential vulnerability of tape as a media, when compared
with disk to disk.

The LVB system with the SaaS solution
addresses both of these issues. In regards to an ‘expected complex’
implementation, the company developed their LVB software specifically
for iSeries systems, with SMBs in mind. LVB runs on the Windows-based
server, uses a TCP/IP connection, and it works by using a software
library installed on the iSeries that implements SAVLIBLV, SAVOBJLV,
SAV, SAVDLOLV, SAVCFGLV commands. This is a large part of what makes
LVB easy to implement and to use. These commands are similar to
current IBM commands the learning curve for IT staff is minimal.

LVB runs on a Windows server platform
to provide backup and restore functions to the iSeries. A virtual
tape library, which can be costly, is not required with LVB. It does
not use save files on the iSeries. Backups can be automated, saving
time for IT staff, and the backed up files can be copied for offsite
backup or restored to the iSeries, saving time and giving IT the
ability to respond to data requests without waiting for tapes to be
restored, for even for them to be transported back to the main
facility if they were located off-site. This integration with iSeries
systems makes LVB easy to implement allowing users the ability to get
it in place with virtually zero downtime, an important factor when
deciding to move from tape.

According to Steve Tuscher, director of
IT, Grocery Outlet, Inc., CA, a current LVB customer, "Laservault
is simple to install and easy use. It consists of a library installed
on the AS/400 and software that can run on any Windows PC or server…
After the software was installed we simply changed our nightly backup
from a series of savlib commands to savliblv and we were done…The
solution is as fast as our tape drive but much more reliable. It’s
also much faster and easier to restore files without having to mess
with tapes."

The second issue that comes into play
when considering whether to make the move from tape backups to D2D,
is the usual high cost involved. Most D2D systems require a steep
upfront investment that requires multiple management approvals and
sign-offs, often resulting in users choosing to stay with their
current tape solution. LVB is affordable to start with, and the SaaS
offer it becomes even more so. With the software available on a ‘pay
as you go’ option it is in reach of virtually all iSeries users.

Brad Jensen, president of Electronic
Storage Corporation, the makers of LVB, states: "As with all
of our products, LVB was designed to be easy to use from start to
finish. I have often heard from our customers that they were amazed
at how truly simple it was to implement and to use, with one customer
recently commenting that LVB is ‘the best kept secret’ in backup
systems."

Jensen adds: "As more people
become tired of the inherent hassles of daily, weekly, and monthly
tape backups, LVB provides an affordable option to move to disk to
disk without making a large upfront investment. We are grateful for
the opportunity to be able to offer the SaaS option to iSeries users
who might not otherwise be able to move to disk backup instead of
tape."

One feature that is often overlooked
when comparing disk to disk backup solutions is the long-term
accessibility of the data once it is stored. Because LVB saves the
data in the original tape image, all information backed-up with LVB
will always be able to be restored, whether the user is continuing to
use the SaaS solution.