New removable disk-based storage device

October The new RDX QuikStor looks like it’s worth a look for the power users amongst us as it has a 30 MB/sec transfer rate and can hence back up 80 GB of native data in less than an hour. It’s a disk-based storage device with removable cartridges and combines all the advantages of tape with the instant random access of a hard disk, and is claimed to come in at a lower cost than competing low-end tape solutions.

“RDX QuikStor combines all the advantages of tape with the benefits offered by hard disk, and offers customers a quantum leap to faster backup and accessibility,” explained Ken Cruden, executive vice president of Tandberg Data. “It enables our channel partners to support their small business accounts with a backup solution that offers enhanced performance, instant random access, high reliability and, most importantly, a lower cost than competing low-end tape solutions.”

According to Cruden, those using fixed disk drives for backup will be able to take advantage of the transportability and unlimited capacity that only removable media can offer while keeping Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to a minimum.

RDX QuikStor is designed to replace current low-end tape technology such as Travan, DAT, and AIT, where ease of use and cost are prioritized. The new device delivers all the benefits of tape and disk without the risks inherent in either technology. Like tape, the RDX QuikStor cartridges are removable and portable for off-site storage, disaster recovery and archival applications. They can be safely archived for more than a decade and provide an inexpensive backup and recovery solution. Unlike other low-end tape media that may need to be replaced after 50-100 uses, RDX QuikStor media has been built to endure over 10 years of average use.

Consisting of either a 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch internal drive by connecting to the host either via S-ATA or an external drive bay via USB, RDX QuikStor has been designed for high reliability. The cartridge houses a high-capacity mobile 2.5-inch hard disk drive in a reinforced, shock-proof design to protect the hard disk drive even when it is outside the drive case.

As well as offering professional-class reliability, the native 30 MB/sec transfer rate reduces the traditional backup window from hours to minutes. It takes the Tandberg RDX QuikStor system less than an hour to back up 80 GB of native data and milliseconds to access files.

RDX QuikStor initial cartridges range in capacity from 40 GB, 80 GB and 120 GB. They are fully forward and backward compatible without limitation, meaning that future cartridges with ever-increasing capacities and faster data rates will work in legacy systems.

The Tandberg RDX QuikStor is now available through Tandberg Data’s established channel of distribution and reseller partners. MSRP for RDX QuikStor drives starts at $354 and MSRP for the cartridges starts at $139.