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News >> Technology >>
Sony, CA simplify protection of mobile workers' systems
By siliconindia
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Thursday, 11 September 2003, 19:30 IST
CHICAGO: Sony Electronics and Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) today extended their storage alliance with the announcement of a new solution designed to address the backup needs of the mobile workforce.
The new system, which combines Sony's 720GB StorStation FSV-M5 specialty server with CA's BrightStor Mobile Backup software, eliminates some of the obstacles that typically impede effective data backup practices for Microsoft Windows operating system-based laptop and desktop computers.
Dubbed StorStation Laptop Data Protection system (StorStation LDP), the solution eases data protection tasks by automatically detecting Windows systems and performing backup tasks based on user-defined parameters, such as specific time schedules and data folders.
StorStation LDP also automatically detects TCP/IP connectivity whenever workers log in to their company's network. If a backup is scheduled, it retrieves the appropriate data from the connected computer and transmits the updated backup data set to the FSV-M5 specialty server. The entire process is transparent to the end-user.
"Mobile users are particularly vulnerable to having their machines damaged, lost or stolen, yet they are also the least likely to perform adequate backups," said Steve Baker, vice president of storage solutions for Sony Electronics' Business Solutions Division. "The Sony StorStation Laptop Data Protection system that we are bringing to market directly addresses this issue by simplifying and automating critical backup tasks."
This highly automated approach eliminates reliance on manual backup processes initiated by end-users. It protects the company from the loss of critical business data residing on mobile systems and ensures the uninterrupted productivity of mobile workers. If a StorStation LDP protected laptop is damaged, lost or stolen, essential files can be quickly restored to allow business continuity.
StorStation LDP can protect both active and inactive files, ensuring data protection without impeding end-user productivity. It can also be used to protect desktops in remote offices.
"Mobile professionals are often under too much pressure when they're in the field or in the office to spend time doing file backups," said Gary McGuire, senior vice president of BrightStor solutions at CA. "The new solution is designed to minimize the impact backup jobs typically have on mobile workers by allowing both dormant and active files to be protected while the computer is in use."
StorStation LDP comes with a variety of pre-defined backup templates that enable customers to immediately begin backing up critical data right out of the box. The templates include optional backup settings for My Documents, all Office documents, all Outlook files, Internet Explorer Favorites, Pocket PC files and Pocket PC archives. The system also includes CA eTrust Antivirus software to safeguard users against a range of malicious code threats.
StorStation LDP can be scaled with additional Sony specialty servers and CA software licenses to support mobile workforces of virtually any size.
The Sony Laptop Data Protection solution will be on display for review at the Storage Decisions Conference in Chicago, Sept. 10-12, in Sony's booth #406, and is expected to become available in October at an estimated price of $10,000. The system can be purchased through Sony authorized distributors, resellers, value-added resellers (VARs) and storage system integrators. Sony currently offers a three-year warranty and optional service and support enhancement programs.
The StorStation LDP extends the Sony/CA alliance, which was announced at CA World in July. Sony and CA have previously announced solutions that combine Sony's WORM-enabled family of desktop and slim-line AIT StorStation autoloaders and libraries with CA's WORM-ready BrightStor ARCserve Backup software.
The two companies will continue to develop solutions that address today's intensifying data retention and storage requirements, which are being driven by growing volumes of enterprise data, the increased dependency of businesses on their IT systems, and intensifying regulatory mandates.