Sony Electronics Expands Tape Storage Offerings With Its First Automated AIT Library

Business Wire, Jan 11, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2001

Sony Electronics today introduced its first Advanced Intelligent Tape(TM) (AIT) library. The Sony AIT Library 30(4) system houses two AIT-2 drives (expandable up to four) and 30 cartridge slots (one fixed magazine with 10 slots and two removable magazines with 10 slots). The library's total storage capacity of up to 3.9TB (with average 2.6:1 compression) and data transfer rates of up to 172.8 GB per hour are designed to meet data-intensive back-up and archive requirements.

"We've recognized the increasing demand for hands-off data protection driven by the Internet, e-commerce and the need for storage consolidation," said Nobu Kawasaki, marketing manager for value added products at Sony Electronics' Component Company. "The addition of an automated library to our line-up of standalone AIT drives and autoloaders provides the mid-range market with the flexibility, reliability and performance of a proven technology that has industry-leading storage density and a future roadmap."

Leveraging the 3.5-inch AIT cartridge form factor, the Sony AIT Library 30(4) is designed for stand-alone or 19-inch 5u rackmount configuration for easy installation into standard-sized data centers and system laboratories.

According to Kawasaki, the AIT library features Sony's innovative Memory-in-Cassette (MIC) technology, providing fast access to data. He said that this is ideal for archival and near line storage.

The Sony AIT Library 30(4) also incorporates a user-friendly Barcode reader, an Import/Export Mail slot, and a remote monitoring system.

Pricing, Availability and Service

The Sony AIT Library 30(4) system which incorporates two AIT-2 tape drives will be sold through distributors, value added resellers (VARs) and system integrators beginning this month at a list price of $22,000(a). Additional accessories including a 10-pack of 50GB Sony AIT-2 data cartridges will be sold separately. Sony currently offers a three-year limited warranty and optional onsite service support and enhancement programs.

Based in San Jose, the Value Added Products Division of Sony Electronics' Component Company markets storage solutions through commercial and industrial distributors, retailers and resellers. For additional information about Sony storage products, call 800/352-7669 or visit Sony's World Wide Web site at http://www.storagebysony.com

(a) Estimated U.S. retail selling prices. Actual prices may vary.

Note to Editors: In the product name "Sony AIT Library 30(4)" throughout this news release, the numeral 4 should be in superscript.