HP Announces DAT40x6 Automated Tape Backup Solution

Business Wire, Jan 31, 2000

High Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2000

Latest DDS-4-based Autoloader Now Available Through

Authorized Resellers, Features HP One-Button Disaster

Recovery for Ease of Operation

Hewlett-Packard Company today announced the HP SureStore DAT40x6 DDS-4 automated tape backup system, featuring HP's One-Button Disaster Recovery (OBDR) for fast, simple, reliable data restorations. The HP SureStore DAT40x6 combines the speed and features of HP's latest DDS-4 drive with the convenience and reliability of a multi-slot automated system to deliver a best-of-breed tape backup solution, priced for small- to medium-size businesses.

The HP SureStore DAT40x6 builds on HP's leadership in the DDS and automation fields and adds broad operating-system support, accelerated DDS-4 transfer rates, free backup software and HP's OBDR feature for simple one-step, full-system restoration. As such, the new SureStore DAT40x6 provides HP customers with a reliable, cost-effective alternative to single-drive units for smaller networks.

&uot;There are three things that count in backup hardware -- fast, reliable backups; simple, rapid restores; and strong customer support. The SureStore DAT40x6 scores 10 out of 10 for each,&uot; said Joseph Worrall, president of Lakewood Communications, a Florida-based HP authorized reseller. &uot;Not only does it back up data at three times the speed of previous DDS generations, but, using OBDR, it rapidly restores an entire system from scratch at the touch of a button. Add to that HP's first-class service and support and you have a real winner for resellers and customers alike. There is no competitive product in its price range that even comes close.&uot;

&uot;Customers with small- to medium-size networks need cost-effective backup solutions that provide absolute protection against loss of critical data,&uot; said Jack Trautman, general manager at HP's Computer Peripherals Bristol. &uot;With the new SureStore DAT40x6 automated DDS system, we're helping customers in this highly competitive market segment stay ahead of the field by providing industry-leading performance, proven automation technology and -- for the first time on any autoloader system -- HP's One-Button Disaster Recovery.&uot;

Key HP SureStore DAT40x6 Benefits

--   Faster, more reliable backup -- The product features a 6MB/s
     transfer rate (assuming 2:1 compression), allowing a 40GB backup
     in less than two hours. Intelligent operational software allows
     the system to recognize nearly full or defective tapes and
     automatically switch to the next cartridge.

--   Automation minimizes human error -- Automatic tape rotation cuts
     down on operator involvement. Regularly scheduled daily and
     weekly backups eliminate the need to manually change tapes.
     Automatic drive cleaning keeps critical components functioning at
     peak efficiency.

--   Broad choice of operating environments -- The SureStore DAT40x6
     supports Windows NT(R), Windows(R) 2000, NetWare 5 and RedHat
     Linux.

--   Fast, simple restoration with OBDR -- A single button activates
     software that automatically restores the operating system,
     configurations, applications, drivers and data files,
     significantly reducing the time required to restore a server or
     desktop system after a data-destroying event.

--   Free backup software -- The SureStore DAT40x6 ships with Yosemite
     TapeWare for improved autoloader functionality at no additional
     cost.

--   Support for DDS-3 media -- DDS-4 transfer rates apply to older
     media as well, so customers using DDS-3 tape can also achieve
     dramatic performance gains.

As with all HP DDS-based products, the SureStore DAT40x6 is built upon tested and proven technology, and maintains compatibility with the large DDS installed base. HP also markets DDS-4 tape cartridges, assuring SureStore DAT40x6 customers a constant supply of approved media.

HP is committed to supporting fifth-generation DDS specifications and is currently developing DDS-5 products for future delivery.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The HP SureStore DAT40x6 autoloader is $3,530 (internal) and $3,855 (external) and is expected to be available worldwide Feb. 1 through authorized resellers, distributors, retailers and mail-order catalogs.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.

HP plans to launch Agilent Technologies as an independent company by mid-calendar 2000. Agilent consists of HP's test and measurement, semiconductor products, chemical analysis and healthcare solutions businesses, and has leading positions in multiple market segments.

HP has 83,200 employees worldwide and had total revenue from continuing operations of $42.4 billion in its 1999 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.