Spectra Logic Doubles Fibre Channel Speeds with Second-Generation Quad Interface Processor; Tape Libraries with G2 F-QIP Enhance Speed for Fibre Channel SANs

Business Wire, March 11, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 11, 2003

Spectra Logic Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high-performance tape libraries for data protection and backup, today announced the release of a second-generation Fibre Channel Quad Interface Processor(G2 F-QIP), which integrates 2GB Fibre Channel in its enterprise tape libraries.

End users can deliver faster backup and restore speeds of 175 megabytes (MB) per second (compressed), which more than doubles the speed of the first generation F-QIP.

The G2 F-QIP shortens backup and restore times by nearly 50 percent, while increasing the number of tape drives that can share Fibre Channel connectivity in a library environment. This Fibre Channel interface card is the key ingredient in Spectra Logic's TAOS(R) networked storage operation system that enables higher performance for multiple SAN operations such as serverless backup, backup and restore, disaster recovery, remote mirroring and online transaction processing with database applications. The G2 F-QIP is available on the Spectra(R) 64K and Spectra(R) 20K enterprise tape libraries.

"The G2 F-QIP eliminates dependency on third-party interface hardware, which makes it easy for customers to save money," explains Sharon Isaacson, product manager for Spectra Logic. "Furthermore, our QIP technology extends the life of libraries by allowing them to adapt to advancing interface technology such as 2GB Fibre Channel."

Like all Spectra Logic QIPs, G2 F-QIPs are hot swappable so that users can sufficiently manage their upkeep and enhance library reliability. QIPs are also fully redundant, so that if one interface port fails, the second interface port can handle communications to all four drives.

Two gigabyte Fibre Channel switch and host bus adaptor vendors Brocade, McData, Qlogic and Emulex have certified the G2 F-QIP for system compatibility.

About Spectra Logic Corporation

Spectra Logic Corporation is a leading manufacturer of tape libraries that provide mission-critical data protection and backup for companies worldwide. Spectra Logic's products make it easy for organizations to protect, store and manage rapidly growing data by offering libraries with capacities ranging from 60 gigabytes to hundreds of terabytes. In addition to providing data insurance and innovative storage automation, Spectra Logic offers advanced interface technologies to address emerging storage network systems such as Storage Area Networks (SANs), Network Attached Storage (NAS) architectures and IP Storage. Customers like Alltel, Hitachi and Sprint trust Spectra Logic, the first vendor to automate Sony AIT and introduce native Fibre Channel in a tape library. Today, the company has more than 12,000 tape libraries installed worldwide. Spectra Logic's storage offerings are available through a global network of resellers and OEMs. For more information, contact Spectra Logic by phone at 800/833-1132, or visit the company's Web site at http://www.SpectraLogic.com.

The Spectra Logic logo is a trademark of Spectra Logic Corporation. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.