High-End Virtual Tape:
IBM Leaps Ahead with a New
Grid Architecture
Summary
IBM has invented virtual tape again and far for the better.
Introduction
©2007 The Tod Point Group www.TheTodPointGroup.com Page
1
IBM invented virtual tape in 1996
beating StorageTek, to the market by
two years. (Note that Sun acquired
StorageTek and all subsequent
references will be to Sun in this
document).
IBM and Sun dominate the high-end
virtual tape market, which has
previously been mostly a game of
performance leapfrog.
However, IBM recently introduced a
dramatically improved architecture and
products, while Sun continues to plod along with an old architecture.
Points to Remember
• IBM invented virtual tape.
• IBM’s new virtual tape grid architecture lets virtual
tape data reside anywhere on a virtual tape grid.
• New gigabit IP links are easier to use and cost
less
.
• IBM’s new policy management features make it
easy to meet recovery objectives.
• IBM’s new hardware outperforms Sun’s in most
cases.
• IBM has fulfilled on its goal to facilitate migration
from its older architecture products.
• Sun has lagged behind IBM in replication and
FICON support
• IBM is much more open than Sun.
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