Managed Services, Backup And Recovery, And Networking News From February 2014
Each month, Business Solutions reports news on business in the channel. This month in Managed Services, Backup and Recovery, and Networking news, FalconStor announces new software releases, Continuum offers conversion from Zenith Infotech BDR devices, Datto provides information on its newest integration with ConnectWise, Lenovo adds four new ThinkServer solutions, Ingram Micro becomes a public sector distributor for VMWare, Aruba networks unveils an element-resistant Wi-Fi solution, and Unitrends’ new version is now available.
FalconStor Releases New Software
FalconStor Software recently announced new software releases. The company’s new Optimized Backup and Deduplication Solution 8.0 combines the functionality of two of its existing products, VTL (Virtual Tape Library) and FDS (File-interface Deduplication System). The solution allows users to manage both block and file backup and deduplication on a single node, requiring 50 percent less hardware, and it also reduces needed storage capacity by up to 95 percent. Features include cascading replication that enhances disaster tolerance and WAN-optimized, deduplicated replication. FalconStor Continuous Data Protector (CDP) 7.6 and Network Storage Server (NSS) 7.6 are also now generally available. CDP 7.6 has been updated to eliminate the backup window and to recover data in minutes instead of hours and offers storage virtualization. NSS Stretch Cluster removes the risk of a data center outage by moving/stretching data to a separate location, and multisite replication ensures data is replicated and is accessible in two places at once to add an extra layer of recoverability.
Continuum Offers Conversion From Zenith Infotech BDR Devices
Continuum is offering free conversion from Zenith Infotech’s backup and disaster recovery (BDR) solutions to Continuum Vault, a solution that combines BDR and remote monitoring and management (RMM). It features enterprise-class protection, instant virtualization, cloud-based replication and recovery, full monitoring and management support, and optional unlimited cloud storage. Managed services providers (MSPs) can convert the solutions with the BDR Revive reimaging tool. “News reports are questioning Zenith Infotech’s future, and hundreds of MSPs have come to us concerned regarding the safety of their clients’ data. Continuum understands the complexity and cost associated with making a switch of this magnitude,” said Michael George, CEO of Continuum. Continuum’s Network Operations Center (NOC) will provide support for the conversion.
Datto Announces Second Phase Integration With ConnectWise
Datto, a backup, disaster recovery (BDR), and business continuity solutions vendor, has announced its newest integration with ConnectWise, a provider of management offerings to VARs and MSPs. Datto Partners can choose the option of using the newest ConnectWise integration to handle off-site overage billing. The improved function gives MSPs the ability to manage and pass on any additional cloud costs directly to their clients, while staying abreast of potential client storage overages each month.
Lenovo Adds Four New ThinkServer Solutions
Lenovo announced a pair of two-processor rack servers, a two-processor tower server, and a direct-attached storage (DAS) enclosure.
- The 1U ThinkServer RD340 and the 2U ThinkServer RD440 two-processor rack servers are equipped with Intel Xeon E5-2400 v2 series processors with up to 10 cores each. Both support up to 192 GB of memory. Standard, built-in features include hot-swappable storage, integrated RAID, and redundant power and cooling. The ThinkServer RD440 supports up to 48 TB of internal storage. Optional RAID adapters are available.
- The ThinkServer TD340, an enterprise-grade two-processor tower server, is equipped with two Intel Xeon E5-2400 v2 series processors. It can be configured with hot-swap hard disk or solid-state drives, redundant power, and integrated RAID, with the capability to add RAID performance-enhancing features. It can be configured to support up to 192 GB of memory, up to 32 TB of internal storage, and has up to six available PCIe/PCI slots.
- ThinkServer SA120, a modular and scalable rack-mount DAS enclosure, features both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive bays in a single 2U enclosure. It can be configured to support 12 3.5-inch SAS high-capacity, front-panel drives and four optional rear-panel 2.5-inch SSD drives for expansive direct storage capacity.
Ingram Micro Becomes Public Sector Distributor For VMware
Ingram Micro has been named a VMware Federal Distribution Partner. This enables Ingram Micro U.S. to market, sell, and support the VMware portfolio to channel partners working within the federal market. Ingram Micro has added a dedicated VMware sales team, specialized in the U.S. civilian, defense, and intelligence community markets, to its Public Sector business unit, led by executive director Michael Humke. In addition to sales support, the team will also include field-deployable VMware-certified pre- and post-sales technical support consultants, channel development professionals, volume licensing specialists, marketing experts, and renewal services specialists.
Aruba Networks Unveils Element-Resistant Gigabit Wi-Fi Solution
Aruba Networks, a provider of next-generation network access solutions for the mobile enterprise, now offers Aruba 270 Series Access Points (APs). Designed to enable enterprise-grade gigabit Wi-Fi outdoors, the solution has applications including resorts, open-air malls, and school campuses. The APs’ design features an element-resistant enclosure and no exposed antennas or wiring. When coupled with Aruba ClientMatch technology, it meets 802.11ac specifications. The APs mount with single-screw brackets, include an integrated connector and antenna enclosure, and have dual PoE+ and AC powering options in a single unit.
Unitrends Announces New Release
Unitrends Release 7.3 is now available. The release is an enhanced version of the data-protection software powering the company’s portfolio of physical and virtual backup and recovery appliances. It combines the functionality of private cloud Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) and meta-bare metal recovery for Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) servers. The new release includes expanded application and platform support and also enables backup and recovery of VMware vSphere templates, which can be restored as virtual machines. In addition, it offers optional use of a DNS instead of static IP when adding Linux and Mac OS X clients to a system.