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Sony Unveils Three AIT Libraries - Entry-to-Enterprise-Level

Sony Electronics introduced three new Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT) libraries that are designed to provide automated and centralized data backup and recovery for entry to distributed and enterprise-level storage environments.

The newest members of the StorStation AIT library family, the LIB-302/A3, LIB- 302/A2 and LIB-152E/A3 models, can enable as much as 30 days of hands-free unattended backup, and are capable of storing multiple terabytes (TBs) of data. They can easily manage the backup tasks associated with e-mail and SQL databases, as well as with networks and general or application-specific servers.

The libraries leverage AIT-2 and AIT-3 technology for high capacity, high performance and data protection to serve and protect small to large businesses. AIT drives boast forward and backward read/write compatibility with all current generations of AIT media for long-term investment protection.

"With this latest expansion to our StorStation line-up, Sony is fortifying its commitment to deliver reliable and cost-effective storage solutions for entryto -enterprise data protection," said Steve Baker, vice president of marketing of the storage solutions division of Sony Electronics' Business Solutions and Systems Company. "Our AIT library solutions offer an easy step up for users who are looking to migrate from stand-alone DDS drives in a direct-attached storage and even further to network-attached storage environments with their first automated system that is scalable to grow with their needs."

Sony's new StorStation AIT libraries are designed for stand-alone or rackmountable configuration and incorporate some of the most advanced and reliable robotics available. Because they are compatible with nearly all major operating systems and with most major backup and storage management software, their integration and operation is simple.

Additionally, all of these StorStation libraries are scalable from one to two drives to accommodate growing storage needs. The libraries allow users to increase performance by integrating an additional drive, or to increase capacities by integrating next-generation, higher-capacity drive models into the library.

New StorStation Library Family Members

Sony StorStation Library model LIB-302/A3: To suit the robust needs of the enterprise, the LIB-302/A3 features 30 data cartridges, includes a barcode reader, and one AIT-3 drive (upgradeable to two). It boasts a capacity of up to 7.8 TBs, and a data transfer rate of 224GB per hour.

Sony StorStation Library model LIB-302/A2: Targeted at both midrange businesses and smaller enterprises, the LIB-302/A2 comes equipped with 30 data cartridges, includes a barcode reader, and one AIT-2 drive (upgradeable to two). It features a capacity of up to 3.9 TBs, and a data transfer rate of 112GB per hour.

Sony StorStation Library model LIB-152E/A3: Geared to the midrange client/server environment, the LIB-152E/A3 comes equipped with 15 data cartridges, one AIT-3 drive (upgradeable to two), and an option for a barcode reader. It features a capacity of up to 3.9 TBs, and a data transfer rate of 224 GB per hour.

Pricing, Availability and Service

All three of these new StorStation AIT libraries will be available this month through Sony's commercial distributors, value-added resellers (VARs) and system integrators. Pricing for the StorStation LIB-152E/A3 will start at an estimated selling price of $ 7,750, and pricing for the StorStation LIB-302/A2 and LIB-302/A3 will start at estimated selling prices of $ 9,500 and $ 11,250, respectively. Each library comes with a complimentary version of NovaStor's TapeCopy v2.0 Library Edition tape conversion and duplication software. Accessories, such as a second AIT drives, additional cartridge magazines and Sony AIT data cartridges, will be sold separately. Sony currently offers a three-year limited warranty and optional onsite service support and enhancement programs with all of its branded StorStation solutions.

Based in San Jose, CA. the Tape Storage Solutions Division of Sony Electronics' Business Solutions and Systems Company markets storage solutions through OEM, commercial and industrial distributors, retailers and resellers. For additional information about Sony storage products visit Sony's World Wide Web site at www.sony.com/news, or www.storagebysony.com.