Following yet another emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Irving, Texas-based Memorex Telex NV has put together a new product range. The Memorex Telex Enterprise Network Storage strategy consists of data back-up and restore solutions designed to work across a network, along with multi-system storage products that are portable across or shareable by client-server and host systems. The first fruits of this are an integrated solution for backing up local area networks to mainframes, along with multi-system storage offerings including both disk arrays and archival storage products.
New Multi Platform Disk Array for Sun Sparc, RS/6000, AS/400, Novell NetWare
Memorex Telex has announced a new range of multi-system disk arrays that are portable among RS/6000s, AS/400s, Sparc workstations and systems running Novell NetWare. The Multi-Platform Disk Array comes in two versions, connecting to four client-server and host systems. The 3937 version offers 9337-compatible storage for AS/400 users, while the 3900 provides storage for RS/6000, Sparc systems, and EISA-based personal computers running Novell Inc NetWare. The two models are convertible as the host system changes – an industry first, according to the company. The Multi-Platform Disk Array includes a multi-level data protection scheme that includes end-to-end data checking, RAID redundant array of inexpensive disks, global hot spare disks, and patented algorithms. Memorex claims this assures data integrity even if multiple concurrent hardware failures occur. Redundant, hot-replaceable components are designed to eliminate single points of failure and provide for concurrent maintenance. Mirrored controller cacheing and read-ahead disk caches are designed to minimise delays associated with the mechanical aspects of disk technology. Efficiency of write cacheing is enhanced with both vertical and horizontal coalescing of writes. And, says the company, extraordinary disk performance can be achieved with 7200rpm disks, short-stroked at user request. Available in 10 or 20 disk-slot versions, with rack-mount or deskside enclosures, the Multi-Platform Disk Array offers a choice of 1Gb and/or 2Gb disks. Optional controller caching, global hot spare disks, and redundant power are available. RAID levels 0, 1, 3, 5, and 1/0 are supported for the 3900; RAID 5, native disk or system mirroring is offered with the 3937. Dual controllers with automatic failover capability are available for the 3900, and the 3937 has what the company claims is a unique dual-subsystem option. The 3900 Multi-Platform Disk Array for RS/6000, Sparc systems, and EISA personal computers is available now, and the 3937 for AS/400 users is due this month. Subsystem prices go from $500 to $178,500.
36-track technology now on 5100 mini-automated tape library
Memorex Telex has added 36-track technology to its 5100 mini-Automated Tape Library, bringing the storage capacity of the compact library fourfold, to 760Gb. It supports the intermix of 18-Track and 36-Track drives in the same library, although the intermix of 18- and 36-Track drives on the same string isn’t supported by OS/400. The 5100 can be configured with one, two or four tape transports. 36-track technology is available on all new 5100s and as an upgrade for installed units. List prices for new 5100s range from around $156,200 for a one by two configuration to $205,500 for a one by four.The upgrade prices are $10,226 or so for the 36-Track controllers and $49,300 for two transports.
Back-up system offers centralised storage and management
Memorex Telex’s nw back-up offering consists of a bundle of gateway products, Emprise Technologies Inc’s Stage3 Virtual Tape Solution for local networks, Cheyenne Software Inc’s ARCserve for NetWare and Memorex tape or automated tape library storage subsystems. It thus enables centralised storage and management of distributed data as well as local administration and control of the local network back-up process, says the company. Stage3 provides centralised storage and management of distributed data, whi
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le enabling the local network back-up process to continue to be administered and controlled from the local network. It does this through a combination of software that operates as a VTAM application under MVS on the mainframe and software that runs as a NetWare Loadable Module on the server. The Memorex Telex 9400 Enterprise Communications family includes a range of communications options, including channel, FDDI, Token Ring, Ethernet, SDLC and router interfaces. All of the 9400 products provide gateway support for NetWare, traditional SNA and TCP/IP devices. Stage3 will be out this month for shipment with all members of the 9400 Enterprise Communications family. Prices start at $23,100 for a channel-attached version.
Multi-system support for Automated Tape Libraries and cartridge tape subsystems
Memorex Telex has also announced multi-system support for its family of Automated Tape Libraries and cartridge tape subsystems. The libraries can be shared across heterogeneous systems with LMS/Workstation, a client-server implementation of Library Management Software. Initially, LMS/WS will enable libraries to be shared by OS/400 and VSE clients; later this year, this facility will be extended to RS/6000 AIX, other Unix, NetWare, MVS and VM clients. Also announced was extended portability plus SCSI attachment support for the 5450 Cartridge Tape Subsystem. The fault-tolerant 5400 and general purpose 5200 libraries have been enhanced to treble the maximum capacity and improve performance by up to 80%. The firm claims it can now configure a single 5200 or 5400 library with storage capacity from 650 to almost 19,000 cartridges, or 1.6Tb to over 45Tb, via addition of carousel storage towers on either side of the library, which provide storage for 1,134 or 2,268 cartridges. Carousel storage is available now for both new libraries and as an upgrade for existing ones. The cost is around $50 per cartridge stored, or $113,400 for a full carousel frame of 2,268 cartridges. The other main performance improvement is the addition of a High Performance Option for the 5400. With this option, the two robots in the 5400 move simultaneously and independently to load and unload cartridges in the available drives. This results in increased tape mount performance of up to 80%, or up to 400 mounts per hour, says the firm. Two more enhancements are designed to support the modular design of the 5400 and 5200 and enhance the availability of data: support for 32 drives in a library, and optional Direct Entry Exit doors on the carousels. These enable rapid input and output of up to 500 cartridges in a carousel. Optional Mass Entry Exit provides simultaneous entry/exit functionality of up to 180 cartridges stored in 15-cartridge magazines. The four 36-track drives cost around $125,000. Direct Entry Exit doors are $30,250, third quarter.
Memorex adopts the Data General CLARiiON for use in 3937 product line
Memorex Telex has signed with Data General Corp to market the CLARiiON range of storage systems as part of the new 3937 product line. The two will also work together on future data storage and data management technologies. Data General estimates the deal as worth $75m over the next three years.
