2007-05-31: PoINT Archiver 2.0 Supports Tiered Archival
Siegen. The latest version 2.0 of PoINT Archiver of PoINT Software & Systems GmbH has been launched. The software specifically archives files throughout the whole network, basing on a filter defined beforehand through the user. Highlight of the version 2.0 is the feature “Tiered Archive File System” (PoINT TAFS). This enables tiered archival with a variety of technologies with numerous configuration possibilities. The user determines the procedure and the storage media to be used. The new PoINT Archiver can be purchased in three different versions – starting with “Archival Only” offering comprehensive archival functions, via “Standard Archival and Retrieval” providing automatic retrieve up to “Tiered Archival” supporting tiered archival environments.
PoINT Archiver offers the possibility of automated, secure and cost-effective archival and migration of data even in times of steadily growing data volumes. By means of configurable filters the user defines which data is to be classified being relevant and which hardware is to be used. The user even determines the media, on which the data shall be written. PoINT Archiver monitors directories network-wide and archives those file types on additional data systems (as archive images e.g. on NAS-hard disk), tape or optical which have been defined beforehand by specific filters. Replication on another storage medium protects the data additionally. The data archived on a file system can be replaced by a link (reparse point) on the primary system. This way, the occupied hard disk capacity as well as back-up and recovery times are reduced.
Available Versions
Especially for beginners, PoINT Software & Systems GmbH provides the option of “Archival Only” which already includes basic archival features. The version “Standard Archival and Retrieval” additionally allows reading data over CD/DVD/BD production systems and it supports implementation of hard disks. Even features, which proof data for their authenticity or encrypt them, respectively, can be licensed in addition from this level onwards.
Full functionality of the software will be provided when ordering the option “Tiered Archival”, which allows tiered archival with most different configurations by implementing PoINT Tiered Archive File System (PoINT TAFS). The user determines the level of security and availability per archive by the strategy and hardware applied. The configuration possibilities range from e.g. a simple USB-hard disk as archive medium up to mirrored volume sets in a jukebox with additional replication on a CD/DVD/BD production system. According to a recent study carried out by the market research institution Lünendonk, more than 69% of the major enterprises interviewed possess tiered storage systems. They benefit from low storage costs while simultaneously increasing data safety. PoINT Archiver offers them a strong software product which supports tiered archival reasonably.
Defining Configurable Filters Identifying Those Files Which are to be Stored
Starting even from the basic version, PoINT Archiver offers the user a filter function enabling the user to define, which data (e.g. office files) is to be stored during running mode and which not (e.g. programme files). Basing on these parameters, PoINT Archiver periodically searches the network directories for relevant files, which are to be copied or migrated to the relevant files to the defined archive. Moreover, PoINT Archiver is able to identify modifications at files already archived in the source directory with defined criteria (e.g. archive bit, content) and afterwards archive an additional version of the file.
Revealing Manipulations
Starting from the version “Standard Archival and Retrieval” PoINT Archiver checks whether the storage media or the files have been manipulated or not: A “digital fingerprint”, which is archived on each media and additionally in the database, reveals the integrity of the data. With the help of this mechanism even deleted or modified documents can be identified. An optional encrypting mechanism protects the data against outside access to the archived data. The join of system key and different archive keys secures, that data on a storage medium cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons outside a PoINT Archiver installation. By this combination, the advantages of removable media and the safety features of closed systems can be used.
Research Archived Data
PoINT Archiver displays the structure of the archived data in the directory view similarly to the Windows Explorer. Information on files and name of the corresponding archive medium or image can be queried for every archived version. In case of retrieval of a file, a directory or a complete off-line archive, PoINT Archiver presents a list on the necessary media to be imported into the production system. Fully automatically, only the requested files will now be copied fully automatic into the specified target directory.
About PoINT
PoINT Software & Systems GmbH, Siegen, is specialized in the development of software products and solutions for optical media (CD, DVD, MO, UDO, PDD, BD) and tape (z.B. AIT, LTO, DLT, StorageTek). Amongst complete solutions PoINT offers their know-how to companies in form of software-development-kits, which can be integrated effortless into other applications. Products made by PoINT are distributed worldwide in over 25 countries with the help of about 50 partners and they have proven well in more than 1,500,000 installations. The product portfolio ranges from writing and reproducing of CD/DVD/BDs with the help of professional audio- and video-recording to business critical network solutions, e.g. in the DMS-environment or in a complex storage environment, basing on automated systems (e.g. jukeboxes or CD/DVD/BD production systems) with optical media or magnetic tape.