Released on: October 2, 2008, 5:11 am

Press Release Author: Databarracks

Industry: Computers

Press Release Summary:
Using tape as a data storage method is being replaced by more modern and efficient
methods such as incorporating virtualisation. This article addresses the problems
with tape and suggests why alternative methods are superior.


Press Release Body: In efforts to reduce data footprints and consequently costs
associated with data storage, companies are always searching for the best method to
manage business data and administer the Information
lifecycle. The main objectives in managing data include promoting availability,
compliance, security, and ensuring business uptime is maximised. But with current
metrics and best practices aimed at keeping companies green, it is harder to find a
single and robust solution that can address all these business requirements.

One of the most talked about methods to achieve this involves incorporating virtual
environments, though according to Databarracks’ latest survey, 42% of companies still use tape in some form for
storage and backup of business data, despite advancement in storage solutions and
virtualisation.

Why do people insist on using this near obsolete method of backup when there are so
many options that will save them time, money, and hassle in managing their data, not
to mention that will score them a few more points towards obtaining a greener
company status?

Ultimately, people are somewhat nostalgic and although advances in technology can be
very quick, the adoption of new technologies takes a little more time. Users are
hesitant to abandon technologies such as tape, partially because they have already
spent money on their tape infrastructure and do not want to have to outlay more
capital to change to a new system, or invest more time and effort training internal
staff to pilot the new technology. Though changing to a modern backup solution has
its distinct advantages, the process seems daunting and users may be afraid they
won’t get the same level of storage and security they had with their tape systems.
New technologies also bring with them uncertainty about implementing the changes
seamlessly to avoid downtime during the transition.

Those who continue to use tape systems for whatever reason must acknowledge the
downfalls of this method. Tape is a nearly 50 year old technology that is inherently
ungreen and poses a striking contrast to the virtualised data storage process which
helps reduce energy usage and costs while increasing data availability and service
levels. As they are made of oil-based plastics which are not biodegradable and
entail environmentally unfriendly manufacturing processes, tapes contribute to
environmental degradation. Further, tapes require transportation and storage in
order for them to be kept secure offsite. The use of a vehicle to chauffeur tapes to
their backup storage facility causes increased fuel usage resulting in additional
costs and CO2 emissions which are not a factor when data is transported via a WAN
link.

Using virtual environments in conjunction with technology such as deduplication, for
example, means that less data needs to be backed up every day, as only incremental
changes are stored, resulting in savings in time and resource usage. Newer backup
software features also allow for complete and automated data lifecycle management,
making storage scalable and providing opportunity for space to be recycled once old
data has been archived.

Price is another point where new technologies hold the advantage over tape. Tape
recorders are fairly expensive though the tape media itself is quite cheap. However,
as tape machines age, replacement parts are becoming scarce and therefore more
expensive and difficult to locate while maintenance costs overall are increasing.
Comparatively, the cost of disk and virtualisation keep coming down while the
technology continues to evolve.

Ultimately, the life expectancy of these archaic systems that were designed with the
technological requirements of half a century ago in mind is nearing its end. The
reality now is very different from the days when tape was developed, which means
that causes of data loss and its implications have changed dramatically. The
timeframe for recovery from a power or hardware failure, a flood or a terrorist
attack is now remarkably shorter as is the general public’s tolerance of
environmental abuses. To accommodate the new world climate, the storage solution a
business chooses needs to comply with regulations that take into consideration the
capabilities and limitations of today’s technologies and the circumstances that
shape them. Those companies who embrace new technologies, including managed services
for their online backup,
will experience benefits such as ease of ensuring systems remain compatible and
compliant, which will give them a competitive advantage over other companies who
have not advanced their systems beyond tape.


Web Site: http://www.databarracks.com

Contact Details: Databarracks
Arxcis House, 9 Park Hill, London SW4 9NS
0800 033 6633
+44 (0)203 1771910
Contact either Lindsay Beaton or Barbara Ferrari at press@databarracks.com