HP Introduces HP TapeAssure and Enhances TapeAlert for Tape Backup Management; Broader Range of Backup Utilities Eases Installation and Administration of Tape Backup Devices

Business Wire, Oct 1, 1997

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 1997-- Hewlett-Packard Company, the market leader in tape backup solutions, today announced HP TapeAssure, a new software utility that simplifies the installation and configuration of all HP SureStore tape backup devices, and enhancements to TapeAlert, HP's self-diagnostic tape storage firmware. These extensions to HP's range of tape backup utilities strengthen the company's position as manufacturer of the most reliable drives within the storage solutions market. HP TapeAssure and TapeAlert enhance the execution of backup procedures to ensure that backup will be implemented successfully.

HP TapeAssure is an innovative software utility specified and designed by HP, and developed by Cheyenne, a division of Computer Associates (CA), a market leader in storage management software for the enterprise. HP TapeAssure verifies device-installation procedures to ensure that a new HP SureStore tape drive is configured and installed correctly. The software scans a system for all attached SCSI devices and lists them with their SCSI ID settings. This allows the backup administrator to select a supported HP tape drive, which HP TapeAssure then tests to verify that the device will operate correctly. HP TapeAssure also offers advice on SCSI configuration to ensure that problems encountered during installation are resolved. HP TapeAssure runs under Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R), Novell Netware and Windows(R) 95 operating systems, and operates independently of any other software application. HP TapeAssure will ship on HP SureStore tape drives, excluding DLT library solutions, as part of the HP SureStore CD-ROM.

"The successful installation of a SCSI tape drive can be a difficult process for even the most experienced user," said Cliff Loeb, research and development manager, HP Computer Peripherals Bristol. "SCSI numbers must be set correctly, the bus configured correctly and the right termination applied. HP TapeAssure saves a network administrator invaluable time and effort by independently processing this information to ensure that a new HP SureStore tape device will be instantly operational."

"CA is working with HP to simplify installation, configuration and management of tape drives to desktop and server systems," said T.M. Ravi, vice president of marketing for Computer Associates. "Our market-leading storage-management solution, ARCserve, exploits HP TapeAssure and TapeAlert to provide next-generation tape-storage reliability."

The range of HP's backup utilities also is enhanced by the announcement that TapeAlert, HP's self-diagnostic firmware tool for recognizing tape-device storage problems, now is compatible with a wider range of network-administration applications. In addition to compatibility with HP OpenView for Windows, TapeAlert now is compatible with HP OpenView Network Node Manager for Windows NT, including integration with HP NetServer Assistant, and Novell's Managewise for NetWare. TapeAlert already is compatible with backup administration applications from Computer Associates, Seagate Software and Stac.

TapeAlert enables network administrators at both local and remote sites to recognize tape storage problems as they occur. It enhances the reliability of tape storage by dispensing comprehensive online advice -- via a network's backup software -- on events ranging from media and cleaning errors to more complex hardware problems.

"By improving the compatibility of TapeAlert, HP is strengthening its commitment to the end user," said Robert Hill, marketing manager for HP Computer Peripherals Bristol. "TapeAlert's success lies in its ability to ensure the execution of a successful backup routine, and HP has now extended this benefit to a wider community of network managers."

ABOUT HP

HP's Information Storage Group, which focuses on the rapidly growing extended-storage market, manufactures and sells information-storage products based on tape, magneto-optical and CD technologies. HP storage solutions include digital-audio-tape (DAT) drives and digital-linear-tape (DLT) libraries, minicartridge (QIC) tape drives and software, CD-writable drives, and magneto-optical drives and jukeboxes. These products are sold through a variety of distribution channels under the HP SureStore and HP Colorado brand names, as well as to OEM customers.

HP the official information-technology hardware and maintenance supplier to the 1998 World Cup soccer tournament.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 120,500 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com . -0-

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