Quantum introduces a tape library, Cisco a new switch

Both use 8Gb Fibre Channel

Developments of the week in storage

This week Quantum and Cisco introduced a new tape library and Fibre Channel switch that help users grow is needed.

Cisco launches new servers, switches, SANs to sweep through the data center

Quantum's Scalar i6000, which is built for archive and data retention, comes with 12 modules, each containing 10 to 5,322 cartridge slots. It has 96 tape drives and 8Gb Fibre Channel connectivity. Most impressive of Quantum's offering is the new iLayer software that accompanies the i6000. ILayer proactively monitors thousands of library, drive and media events and applies relational diagnostics logic to synchronize and analyze log data. Because many issues are user correctable, wizards can be used to resolve iLayer identified problems. In additions alerts via e-mail can be sent. ILayer is adaptive software in that it learns over time, and with its use IT managers can save on management time, less service calls will result and a faster resolution to problems will occur.

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This week Quantum and Cisco introduced a new tape library and Fibre Channel switch that help users grow is needed.

Cisco launches new servers, switches, SANs to sweep through the data center

Quantum's Scalar i6000, which is built for archive and data retention, comes with 12 modules, each containing 10 to 5,322 cartridge slots. It has 96 tape drives and 8Gb Fibre Channel connectivity. Most impressive of Quantum's offering is the new iLayer software that accompanies the i6000. ILayer proactively monitors thousands of library, drive and media events and applies relational diagnostics logic to synchronize and analyze log data. Because many issues are user correctable, wizards can be used to resolve iLayer identified problems. In additions alerts via e-mail can be sent. ILayer is adaptive software in that it learns over time, and with its use IT managers can save on management time, less service calls will result and a faster resolution to problems will occur.

ILayer also includes an archive/disaster recovery feature called MeDIA, which proactively checks the health of the media, has three levels of media scanning and operates in the background.

The Scaler i6000 is LTO-5 compliant – each LTO-5 cartridge accommodates 3TB with 2:1 compression, almost double that of LTO-4 and four times more capacity of LTO-3. The LTO-5 cartridges have a 280MBps throughput. The Scalar i6000 starts at $63,000 for 100 slots; LTO-5 pricing for the Scalar i6000 starts at $20,000.

Cisco this week also announced the Cisco MDS 9148 Multilayer Fabric Switch, ideal for storage area networks at small and midsize enterprises. Cisco MDS 9148 8Gbps Fibre Channel Multilayer Fabric Switch delivers compelling value for more data centers by providing performance, flexibility, and enterprise-class features at a cost-effective price.

For its part, Cisco is introducing the MDS 9148 MultiLayer Fabric Switch, aimed at small and midsized enterprises. The MDS 9148 is an 8Gbps switch that features as many as 48 ports in a 1U form factor. The 9148 comes in three configurations – 16, 32 and 48 ports – which can be upgraded on a pay as you grow basis.

Read more about data center in Network World's Data Center section.

Deni Connor is principal analyst for Storage Strategies NOW and host of both the Masters of Storage and Masters of Servers Solution Centers.