Sun Toes The StorEdge Line - Sun Microsystems StorEdge L700 - Product Announcement

Computer Technology Review, Jan, 2000

Sun Microsystems, Inc. introduced the Sun StorEdge L700 tape library, a solution that addresses tape backup requirements spurred by the Internet data explosion. The system enables customers in data-intensive environments to access stored data within seconds. It is backed by SunSpectrum enterprise-level support programs such as installation and a one-year, next-day, on-site warranty. In addition, the tape library enables customers faced with databases an backup windows to back up 3.5TB of data in less than eight hours. The library supports open systems backup solutions.

According to Raj Das, director of product marketing at Sun Microsystems' Network Storage Division, "The [new product] is a solution with performance that brings backup from offline speed to online speed and makes stored data accessible within a matter of seconds."

The product is now shipping. It is a mixed media solution and will be available with DLT tape drives beginning in the second quarter of 2000, providing backward compatibility and investment protection for customers with DLT-based environments.

"As a result of the Internet data explosion, backup windows are shrinking and approaching zero," continued Das. "On one hand, data needs to be available all the time. On the other hand, the criticality of the data requires regular backups."

An entry-level configuration, which includes two 9840 tape drives, 396 tape cartridge slots, and 100 pieces of 9840 media, is list-priced at $194,000. A configuration with 12 9840 tape drives, 630 cartridge slots, and 630 pieces of 9840 media is list-priced at $625,000. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. The library enclosure includes 13U (22.75 inches) of 19-inch rack space, which will accommodate a server, switch, hub, bridge, or other hardware for a backup/archive solution.