LaserVault Backup D2D Software Available as SaaS
This is a Press Release edited by StorageNewsletter.com on Tue, April 23rd, 2013
Designed for IBM i
LaserVault from Electronic Storage Corporation is making itsLaserVault 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.
