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Qualstar First to Ship SAIT Tape Libraries

Qualstar Corporation, a leading manufacturer of automated tape storage solutions, announced recently that it has become the first company to ship tape libraries equipped with Sony Electronics' advanced SAIT-1 tape drives. The libraries are designed to serve the data storage needs of mid-sized to large organizations, taking advantage of SAIT's next-generation density and speed.

The announcement confirms Qualstar's position as the leader in the SAIT/AIT marketplace, with the largest installed base of AIT-equipped libraries in the world. The company has previously announced its support for Sony's SAIT format, which features the industry's highest density at 500 gigabytes (native) per cartridge, and sustained data transfer rates of up to 108 gigabytes (native) per hour per drive.

Qualstar's TLS-5000 Series of SAIT automated tape libraries consists of four models, spanning capacities from 16.5 terabytes (native) to over 340 terabytes (using typical data compression ratios), while delivering data transfer rates exceeding 2.2 terabytes (compressed) per hour. The TLS-58264 model in particular sets a new physical storage density standard, exceeding 45 terabytes per square foot of valuable IT floor space.

"SAIT is a true paradigm shift for tape technology and enables Sony and its OEM partners the ability to offer automated storage solutions not feasible with today's conventional half-inch tape technologies," said Steve Baker, vice president for Tape Storage Solutions at Sony Electronics Business Systems and Solutions Company. "Qualstar's track record of delivering dependable AIT automation products to the market is significantly enhanced through the integration of the industry-leading SAIT technology into its family of TLS- 5000 libraries. The Sony/Qualstar combination will provide customers with unparalleled capacity and low cost of ownership to quickly store and access massive amounts of business-critical information."

"SAIT's high capacity and performance offer a compelling solution for today's demanding data protection needs. An aggressive technology roadmap provides investment protection for the user while underscoring Sony's commitment to the technology," commented Bob Abraham, president of Freeman Reports, an industry analysis firm. "Qualstar's early adoption and shipment of automated libraries equipped with SAIT technology promotes Sony's technology as a viable solution for users who need high capacity and performance today and tomorrow."

"We are proud of our relationship with Sony. Working together, we have a significant track record of delivering quantifiable value to our customers," said William Gervais, Qualstar's Chief Executive Officer. "The SAIT technology continues that tradition, and is consistent with our commitment to bring Simply Reliable storage solutions to the market."

The TLS-5000 family of SAIT-equipped libraries is sold and supported through Qualstar's worldwide network of selected Value Added Resellers and Systems Integrators. Suggested retail pricing starts around $30,000.