Press

Press Releases 2024

PoINT validated for tape integration with Veeam Backup & Replication v12.1

Veeam Backup & Replication v12.1 | PoINT Archival Gateway | Tape Integration

Siegen. PoINT is the first Veeam Technology Alliance Partner to achieve Veeam Ready validation for the new Veeam Backup & Replication version 12.1 with the S3-to-Tape product PoINT Archival Gateway 4.0.

In the course of the close cooperation and technology partnership between PoINT and Veeam® Software, the #1 leader by market share in Data Protection and Ransomware Recovery, PoINT Archival Gateway has been validated as the first solution for the integration of tape storage systems in the archive tier of a Veeam Scale-out Backup Repository.

The latest version of Veeam Backup & Replication, the foundation of the Veeam Data Platform, supports object storage based on Amazon S3 Glacier as target storage in the Archive Tier. This additional backup storage tier was introduced for archiving and cost saving purposes. This enables Veeam Backup & Replication to integrate the tape-based object storage PoINT Archival Gateway via its Glacier-compatible functionality as an on-prem Glacier solution in the Archive Tier.

For integration with VBR 12.1, PoINT Archival Gateway supports the archiving extensions of the Veeam Smart Object Storage API (SOSAPI) in particular. PoINT Archival Gateway uses S3 object locking in combination with tape to provide "true immutable storage" and maximum protection against cyberattacks for backups.

The combination of Veeam Backup & Replication v12.1 and PoINT Archival Gateway 4.0 enables the integration of tape in the archive tier via the standardized Amazon S3 Glacier interface. Compared to cloud backup, this on-prem Glacier solution with PoINT Archival Gateway offers many advantages:

  • No ingest, egress and transaction costs (as common with some cloud providers),
  • Ransomware and cybercrime protection through Air Gap (True Immutable Storage),
  • No vendor lock-in regarding storage hardware,
  • Data sovereignty ensured by on-prem solution,
  • Sustainability through lower energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

 

Press release (PDF)

Hammerspace and PoINT: S3-to-Tape in the Global Data Environment

Siegen/San Mateo. With their strategic partnership, PoINT and Hammerspace present a unique solution for the integration of tape in a standardized, global data environment. Users benefit from the advantages of tape-based object storage in the context of cross-site data orchestration.

Hammerspace and PoINT address the challenges companies face in the area of data and storage management: Increasingly heterogeneous storage infrastructures require centralized data management to prevent the creation of data silos and enable comprehensive and seamless access. At the same time, organizations need cost-effective and scalable storage solutions for rapidly growing data volumes and long-term storage.

The established S3-to-tape solution PoINT Archival Gateway now enables the integration of tape into the Hammerspace Global Data Environment. Users thus benefit from the scalability and the security and efficiency advantages of data storage on tape as part of a global, standardized data environment.

“Hammerspace is excited about the partnership with PoINT Software to enable organizations to incorporate tape as part of their Global Data Environment” said Molly Presley, SVP of Global Marketing for Hammerspace. “This advancement is a massive step forward in putting ALL data to work in a single active global file system, delivering performance, access and collaboration to AI models, applications and users anywhere, using data, everywhere.”

The joint solution targets users from all industries that are particularly affected by the unabated data growth. With PoINT and Hammerspace, customers from the high-performance computing sector, from media and entertainment, research and machine learning/AI can increase the cyber security and cost and environmental efficiency of their data storage. At the same time, all data remains globally accessible across silos and storage locations.

 

About Hammerspace:

Hammerspace is a powerful scale-out software solution designed to automate unstructured data orchestration and global file access across storage from any vendor at the edge, in data centers, and the cloud. Hammerspace makes data a global resource, so IT staff can automate data orchestration by policy, but without interrupting user access. It enables organizations to extend the life of existing storage resources to reduce costs, while also enabling the flexibility of hybrid-cloud and multi-site use cases seamlessly.

 

Press release (PDF)

Press Releases 2023

PoINT “S3-to-Tape” Software for IBM Diamondback Tape Library

PoINT S3-to-Tape Software for IBM Diamondback Tape Library

Siegen/Denver. With the current version 4.0, the tape-based object storage software PoINT Archival Gateway supports the new IBM Diamondback Tape Library. Numerous interested visitors had the chance to see the solution at SC23 in Denver.

With the help of the S3-to-Tape software PoINT Archival Gateway, the IBM Diamondback Tape Library is seamlessly integrated into the storage infrastructure via the standardized S3 interface. The new PoINT software allows S3-enabled applications to leverage the impressive features of the new IBM library.

PoINT Archival Gateway 4.0 is particularly characterized by its very good scalability and high performance. The storage software perfectly supports the new IBM Library. IBM Diamondback can be configured with up to 14 LTO-9 drives and 1584 media; this corresponds to an uncompressed data volume of 28.5 PB.

PoINT's object storage software offers an AWS-compatible S3 interface and supports multiple storage classes (flash/disk and tape). Together with IBM Diamondback, users can build an efficient and cyber-resilient on-prem cloud solution. The combination of PoINT software and IBM hardware is also ideal for cloud repatriation, i.e. the retrieval of cloud data back to your own data center.

The joint solution of PoINT Archival Gateway and IBM Diamondback Tape Library enables sustainable and cost-efficient data storage to solve the problems of growing data volumes, rising energy costs and increasing cyberattacks.

Press release (PDF)

Bring your cloud data home: S3-compatible on-prem glacier storage with PoINT products

Cloud repatriation with PoINT Archival Gateway and PoINT Data Replicator

Siegen. The new version 4.0 of the PoINT Archival Gateway software solution is the ideal choice for companies that want to bring their data back from the cloud to their company's own storage systems. It enables cloud data to be returned to the local data center and existing S3-capable applications to be converted to local storage without any adaptations.

PoINT Archival Gateway 4.0 responds to the high demands associated with returning cloud data to the in-house infrastructure. In order to achieve a seamless migration, local storage should be as compatible as possible with cloud storage. PoINT Archival Gateway provides a standardized S3 interface for this purpose.

The new version can also be used to implement on-prem object storage consisting of a flash/disk storage class and a tape storage class. PoINT Archival Gateway thus offers an equivalent to storage class differentiation for on-prem data storage, such as that offered by e.g. AWS with S3 Standard and S3 Glacier. The flash/disk storage class is available for productive data and the tape storage class for cold, inactive data.

The PoINT product PoINT Data Replicator is tasked with bringing data back from the cloud to the on-prem data center. It has been designed for S3-to-S3 data replication. The replication processes are controlled by user-definable jobs. PoINT Data Replicator is also suited for hybrid approaches, e.g. if cloud data is to be replicated locally on tape media.

With PoINT's storage system-independent software solutions, the storage hardware can be selected individually. In the S3 Glacier storage class, PoINT supports tape storage systems (libraries) from all common manufacturers. Both the LTO and the IBM 3592 format are supported.

More and more companies are becoming aware that storing their data with a cloud provider is linked to many disadvantages. In addition to high costs for transaction fees, storage fees and egress fees, there are also technical and strategic reasons to reconsider data storage with a cloud provider. There is a strong trend towards "cloud repatriation", the returning of cloud data to your own data center.

PoINT Archival Gateway 4.0 provides S3-compatible on-prem object storage based on disk and tape, which offers companies advantages in terms of storage costs, data security and data sovereignty. In combination with PoINT Data Replicator, data can easily be replicated from the cloud or a hybrid cloud can be set up to store data both on-premises and in the cloud.

Press release (PDF)

PoINT Solutions for "True Immutable Tape Backup": Storage Software with New Features for Object Storage Backup

Siegen. The new versions of PoINT Archival Gateway and PoINT Data Replicator improve the object storage backup and restore process. With a "True Immutable Backup" to tape and Snapshot Restore they offer increased security in case of a ransomware attack.

PoINT's products PoINT Archival Gateway and PoINT Data Replicator have been specifically designed for the backup of object data on tape storage systems. The new versions of the software solutions optimize the backup process with new features.

With the help of PoINT Archival Gateway PoINT Data Replicator stores the data on tape. Storage is realized in native format via the S3 interface of the source system that is to be backed up. With object lock, versioning, retention management and optional WORM protection of the media, PoINT products provide numerous software functions which enable a "True Immutable Backup". By means of individual filters the backup process can also be limited to specific data. For continuous backup PoINT Data Replicator additionally supports queuing services like Apache Kafka and AWS SQS. This avoids long scan times on the source system.

With Snapshot Restore, the new version 2.2 of PoINT Data Replicator offers more flexibility and security when restoring data: This functionality allows restoring backed up data based on a selectable date. Thus, for example, a targeted recovery can be performed after a ransomware attack. With this, PoINT Data Replicator enables a fast return to an uninfected data set.

Object storage systems are characterized by low downtime rates. The systems achieve high availability through redundant components, erasure coding and replication. However, object storage systems are also exposed to risks of data loss that cannot be eliminated by high availability features. Especially with the threat of cyber attacks, the additional protection of object storage through a backup comes into focus. The most important criteria for such a backup are object-based storage, direct S3 access and suitable storage media. A tape storage class, which is integrated via the S3 interface, is ideal for backing up hard disk-based object storage. Data stored on tape is securely protected against cybercrime attacks through air-gap. In addition, tape media are very economical and sustainable compared to hard disks.

PoINT's software solutions cover the mentioned criteria and comprehensively support companies in implementing the 3-2-1 backup strategy in the object storage sector.

Press release (PDF)

Press Releases 2022

Legally Compliant and Cost-Efficient Archiving in the Healthcare Sector: PoINT Storage Manager in Use at Diakonie in Südwestfalen

PoINT Storage Manager | Case Study | Diakonie in Südwestfalen

Siegen. Diakonie in Südwestfalen gGmbH counters rising hardware costs in the field of archive storage by introducing automated archiving on tape with PoINT Storage Manager. Thus, it also benefits from important functions for legally compliant archiving of medical documents.

The Diakonie in Südwestfalen stores, among others, important medical data from surgical robots, from X-ray PACS and mammography screening. For diagnostic purposes, this data must be available reliably and quickly. At the same time, it must be archived in a legally compliant manner for the long term.

With the redundant storage of data on hard disks, it was possible to ensure the availability of the data. However, there were no more extensive functions for long-term archiving of the data. In addition, the lifespan of the storage medium used was relatively short in view of the long retention periods. This required frequent, high-volume migrations with the associated costs for new storage hardware.

In PoINT Storage Manager, Diakonie in Südwestfalen found a flexible and scalable solution for legally compliant data archiving. With the introduction of the software, the storage infrastructure could be sustainably optimized. The Diakonie now uses a two-tier storage architecture with primary and archive storage tiers. On the archive storage level, tape is used which, as a particularly cost-effective and durable storage medium, is ideally suited for long-term archiving. PoINT Storage Manager automatically moves the data to the archive storage. There, the software with its integrated features ensures legally compliant archiving and meets the retention periods.

"In addition to expanding from one archive (PACS) to four archives, we were able to decouple applications and archiving. We now have more functions available for archiving", says Hans-Georg Ommer, Head of Technical IT at Diakonie in Südwestfalen gGmbH. End users can still access the data quickly and transparently – this is essential, especially for medical diagnostics. Ommer expresses his confidence with regard to growing data volumes: "For future extensions we remain flexible in all directions with PoINT Storage Manager."

About Diakonie in Südwestfalen gGmbH:

Diakonie in Südwestfalen, headquartered in Siegen, is the largest health and social service provider in the three-border region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. From birth to the end of life, it is there for people who are sick and in need of help and care. With 4,000 employees, the company is a major employer in around 120 facilities at more than 40 locations in the region. Every year, 100,000 people are treated, nursed and cared for here. As a professional service provider, Diakonie in Südwestfalen links numerous diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitation and nursing units. These include hospitals, medical care centers, homes for the elderly, outpatient nursing services along with a meal service, a daycare center for children, outpatient rehabilitation centers, residential homes for people with disabilities, assistance for homeless people, a hospice, various counseling centers and its own nursing training center.

Press release (PDF)

PoINT Software & Systems honored with "Get Digital Award" of the EU Commission

Get Digital Award | Go Green & Be Resilient Winner | Best Digital Solution

Siegen. The Siegen-based company PoINT Software & Systems received the award of the "Get Digital: Go Green & Be Resilient" initiative launched by the European Commission DG GROW, the European Innovation Council (EIC) and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the European Digital SME Alliance.

The goal of the Get Digital Initiative is to promote the innovative power of digital solutions from European companies that focus on sustainability, climate protection and supply chain independence.

PoINT's solution focuses on the storage of the constantly increasing amounts of data. Data becomes inactive very quickly, i.e. after a short time it is no longer used. For this so-called "cold" data, storage systems with fast access times are not required. Nevertheless, inactive data is mainly stored on hard disks today. However, since these hard disks are permanently in operation, they consume a lot of power. Especially for data that no longer needs to be read regularly, an alternative storage medium is available that only consumes energy when it is used: The classic magnetic tape.

Until now, though, the use of tape-based storage systems was technically complicated or not possible for many applications. PoINT's innovative software solution has solved this problem: based on modern cloud protocols, it provides a standardized interface that can be used by many applications to store inactive data. Thus, PoINT's solution can make a decisive contribution to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions when storing data.

In addition to PoINT, The Climate Choice (Germany), Eturnity AG (Switzerland) and Dropslab Technologies (Luxembourg) were also honored with the Get Digital Award. An overview of all submitted solutions can be found here on the Digital SME Alliance website.

Press release (PDF)

Software-defined Object Storage with Disk and Tape: PoINT Archival Gateway – Unified Object Storage

PoINT Archival Gateway - Unified Object Storage, intelligent tiering

Siegen. The new storage solution PoINT Archival Gateway – Unified Object Storage is a software-defined S3 object storage which combines the storage classes disk and tape and represents them under a single namespace. Thus, PoINT Software & Systems offers an economic and sustainable solution especially for secondary and archive storage which combines the advantages of disk and tape in one object storage.

With PoINT Archival Gateway – Unified Object Storage PoINT Software & Systems introduces the extension of the established, tape-based object storage PoINT Archival Gateway. In addition to object storage on tape, PoINT Archival Gateway – Unified Object Storage allows the combination of two storage classes – disk and tape – in one unified object storage. Flexible configurations are possible, i.e. tape-only as well as disk-only, with the option of later extension by the respective other storage class.

Objects are moved between storage classes using AWS S3 compatible lifecycle policies. This allows storage technologies to be used most effectively according to their specific characteristics. On the one hand, this contributes to a more cost- and energy-efficient use of the storage infrastructure. On the other hand, expiration policies can also be used to define retention periods and implement the scheduled deletion of objects.

Objects that have been moved to tape can be read again directly from tape. A restore to disk is also optionally possible. In addition, PoINT Archival Gateway – Unified Object Storage can perform automatic replication to disk and tape.

Compared to the original tape-based object storage, the addition of a hard disk storage class offers users a variety of additional use cases. Especially applications which expect low latencies, e.g. HPC file systems, certain backup applications and data management solutions, like iRODS, can use PoINT Archival Gateway – Unified Object Storage as target storage system.

Press release (PDF)

Professional Storage Management for SME: RNT Rausch and PoINT Software & Systems announce new partnership

RNT Rausch + PoINT Software & Systems

Ettlingen/Siegen. The combination of Yowie Storage Appliances with PoINT Storage Manager is especially designed for the storage requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises. RNT Rausch and PoINT Software & Systems provide a professional solution for storage management and legally compliant archiving already from a capacity of 32 TB.

"PoINT Storage Manager perfectly complements our Yowie storage appliances," says Sebastian Nölting, CEO RNT Rausch. "Even for smaller data volumes, we can now offer a powerful solution for storage optimization and archiving."

RNT Rausch offers individual server and storage solutions configured for the circumstances of its customers. The Yowie storage appliances were developed specifically for the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises looking for secure storage systems with data volumes up to 150 TB. Conventional storage solutions are designed to meet the requirements and data volumes of large enterprises. However, smaller businesses face the same challenges: Data must be archived in a legally compliant manner and reliably protected from loss – all while data volumes continue to grow and the threat of cybercrime increases.

RNT Rausch Yowie storage appliances with pre-installed Cloudian HyperStore software are S3 compatible plug-and-play solutions. The compact appliances are quickly wired up and, thanks to the integrated installation wizard, can be up and running in no more than 30 minutes. The high-availability and high-performance storage systems are available from a capacity of 32 TB and are scalable up to 142 TB. This allows users to react flexibly to changing requirements.

With the tiering and archiving solution PoINT Storage Manager, Yowie storage systems are seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures as archive storage. This now also offers companies with smaller data volumes the opportunity for sustainable storage optimization. Based on previously defined rules PoINT Storage Manager automatically moves inactive data to the archive storage. There, PoINT Storage Manager protects the data against premature deletion and against modification, so that the requirements of legally compliant archiving are met. By reducing the amount of data on the primary storage systems, the backup volume is reduced at the same time. Here, users benefit from considerable cost and time savings.

In the cooperation with RNT Rausch Sebastian Klee, Head of Sales & Marketing at PoINT Software & Systems, sees great advantages for a wide range of customers: "The new partnership with RNT Rausch makes our solution accessible to a new group of customers: We can, for example, also offer startups a cost-efficient solution for legally compliant archiving which helps them to reliably protect their data from the very beginning and which can flexibly grow with the companies and their requirements."

 

 

About RNT Rausch:

RNT Rausch is a Germany based technology pioneer with 20+ years of experience in the high-tech server and storage industry. The company rethinks future-proof server and storage solution designs that go hybrid and tackle business challenges to make SMBs, enterprises, data centres and service providers around the world fit for tomorrow’s technical revolution. RNT offers tailor-made products and services that help customers enhance security, flexibility, scalability and sustainability.

More than 30 employees are delivering targeted solutions with ultimate precision and manufactured to the highest quality. The company is headquartered in Ettlingen, Germany and has offices in Sweden and the UK.

Press release (PDF)

PoINT Archival Gateway in use at EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI): Object Storage Backup on Tape

Case Study EMBL-EBI / PoINT Archival Gateway

Siegen. The tape-based object storage PoINT Archival Gateway supports EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) in additionally backing up valuable research data from hard disk-based object storage systems to tape media. With this high-performance, scalable and cost-efficient storage solution, the institute is prepared for future data growth.

EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) in Hinxton currently has a dataset of about 50PB. The research institution expects this amount to grow by 1PB per month. In addition to storage on disk-based object storage systems, a full copy of this data is backed up on tape. This ensures long-term retention. Also, in case primary storage systems fail, a copy of the data is available.

Previously, an in-house script was used for this replication on tape, but it did not deliver the necessary performance. Furthermore, the storage space on the tapes was not fully utilized. With PoINT Archival Gateway, EMBL-EBI has introduced a high-performance and cost-effective alternative. PoINT Archival Gateway is a tape-based object store that receives data via the standardized S3 interface and writes it directly to tape, enabling tape compression at drive level.

Initially, an IBM TS4500 library with six IBM TS1160 drives was used as target storage. The storage software from PoINT only required a 2U server for this. In the course of the current second project phase, the installation was extended to 12 drives and two 2U servers. Since PoINT Archival Gateway does not need a hard disk buffer to write the data to tape, the solution proves to be very cost-efficient in terms of hardware usage – and this with outstanding performance values.

Another decisive factor for choosing PoINT Archival Gateway was that the software provides the standard S3 API and does not require cumbersome S3 Glacier commands. Due to the node-based architecture, capacity and performance are scalable and can flexibly meet future requirements. "We are very satisfied with the deployment of PoINT Archival Gateway," said Marc Riera (Software Development and Operations – Service and Data Management Technical Coordinator at EMBL-EBI). "We feel well prepared for future data growth and look forward to following the further development steps of PoINT Archival Gateway."

PoINT Archival Gateway is a vendor-independent, software-based storage solution which also allows to combine drives of different manufacturers and generations. Thus, the solution offers EMBL-EBI not only the desired performance, but also future security and a high investment protection.

 

About EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI):

The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is a global leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. EMBL-EBI helps scientists realise the potential of big data by enhancing their ability to exploit complex information to make discoveries that benefit humankind.

They are at the forefront of computational biology research, with work spanning sequence analysis methods, multi-dimensional statistical analysis and data-driven biological discovery, from plant biology to mammalian development and disease.

The institute is part of EMBL and is located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, one of the world’s largest concentrations of scientific and technical expertise in genomics.

Press release (PDF)

Low-cost S3 object storage on tape: Long-term data protection with PoINT Archival Gateway and Overland-Tandberg NEO Tape Libraries

PoINT Archival Gateway & Overland-Tandberg NEO Tape Libraries

Dortmund/Siegen. With their new partnership, Overland-Tandberg and PoINT Software & Systems offer a cost-efficient and scalable solution for storing object data on tape. The tape-based object storage PoINT Archival Gateway stores object data on Overland-Tandberg NEO Tape Libraries. Users are thus prepared for the challenges posed by the constantly growing data volumes.

In the object storage sector, often data volumes in the high PB range are generated. This data must be stored and protected reliably: Especially with regard to AI and machine learning, it becomes clear that a loss of data would be equivalent to a loss of valuable time and experience. Companies need to protect their data from the threats of cyberattacks, but also from technical failures. Another factor is the increasing growth of data, with storage hardware costs coming into focus. Cheaper alternatives to disk-based systems are needed.

The combination of the tape-based object storage PoINT Archival Gateway with NEO Tape Libraries from Overland Tandberg provides a high-performance and highly scalable storage solution. PoINT Archival Gateway seamlessly integrates the tape libraries as S3 storage class into an existing storage infrastructure. This allows users to benefit from all advantages of tape technology also in the object storage area and to secure their valuable data reliably and cost-efficiently.

"PoINT Archival Gateway enables the use of our NEO Tape Libraries as object storage," says Andreas Arndt, VP Sales EMEA and APAC at Overland-Tandberg. "This allows organizations to leverage our proven NEO Tape Libraries for a variety of other use cases. Whether it's as target storage for Big Data applications, for backing up important cloud data, or for long-term archiving of object data."

Sebastian Klee, CMO at PoINT, adds: "By collaborating with Overland-Tandberg, we can offer our customers maximum flexibility. Our joint solution is scalable from 216 TB to 40 PB, meeting the current and future requirements that companies face in the storage sector."

 

About Overland-Tandberg:

Overland-Tandberg is a global technology company that develops and manufactures hybrid cloud IT infrastructure and data protection solutions enabling businesses, large and small, to securely manage and protect their digital assets. Serving Enterprise, Small to Mid-size Enterprise (SME), Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMB), and Small Office Home Office (SoHo) markets and spanning over 100 countries, Overland-Tandberg’s brands have created a rich and trusted heritage across the globe. At Overland-Tandberg, empowerment of people is essential to unlocking the virtues of progressiveness and inclusion, placing the company in front of the competitive landscape, and ensuring the company is ready for the next 40 years, and beyond. To learn more please visit: www.overlandtandberg.com.

Press release (PDF)

New Functions and More Performance: PoINT Archival Gateway 3.0

PoINT Archival Gateway 3.0

Siegen. PoINT Software & Systems presents the new version 3.0 of its tape-based object storage PoINT Archival Gateway. The range of functions has been considerably extended to equip users for the big challenges in the storage area.

PoINT Archival Gateway is a high-performance and flexibly scalable object storage which receives data via the standardized S3 interface and writes it directly to tape without buffering on hard disks. Thus, tape can be integrated as a cost-efficient and particularly secure additional S3 storage class and is available as backup medium for valuable cloud and object data.

With version 3.0, the range of functions has been significantly extended on all levels. For example, PoINT Archival Gateway now also supports object locking and object tagging. Object Locks are used to comply with expiration or retention periods by preventing premature deletion of object versions and can be configured on object and on bucket level. In this way, not only legal requirements, such as data protection guidelines, can be realized. Object locks also increase protection against ransomware.

Object tags, for example, can be used to selectively delete objects that carry a specific tag. In this way, lifecycle guidelines can be defined and implemented.

Furthermore, the object database of PoINT Archival Gateway has been optimized with the new version. Improved parallelization significantly increases the processing speed of concurrent requests.

In addition, client requests are now redirected internally and without support from the client application if they cannot be handled by the interface node that was addressed by the client. This enhancement increases processing, especially for smaller objects, and improves load balancing across multiple nodes.

Finally, the newly integrated syslog protocol copies system log and event messages to a central syslog server.

"We are always in close contact with our customers for the further development of our software solutions", says Sebastian Klee, Head of Marketing & Sales at PoINT Software & Systems. "With the new version 3.0 of PoINT Archival Gateway, we have achieved decisive improvements in terms of data security and performance. The solution meets the requirements of the users and also supports them in coping with future challenges in the storage sector."

Press release (PDF)

Press Releases 2021

Storage Made Easy and PoINT Software & Systems announce new partnership

Enterprise File Fabric & PoINT Storage Manager

The Enterprise File Fabric and PoINT Storage Manager: Flexible Data Access and Compliance in Hybrid Infrastructures

Siegen, Germany and London, United Kingdom. PoINT Software & Systems and Storage Made Easy provide a powerful and flexible solution for data management in hybrid storage environments. This enables companies to meet the challenges of data growth, compliance and remote work.

Enterprise File Fabric from Storage Made Easy is a data management solution for hybrid storage infrastructures and multi-cloud environments. Users can search, access, and share file and object storage through a global file system. Search and access are independent of the location of the data within the storage environment, and also independent of the user's location and device.

In combination with the tiering and archiving software PoINT Storage Manager a comprehensive and powerful solution for data and storage management in hybrid infrastructures is created. The solution provides automated file tiering and archiving according to previously created rules. Thus, the storage location corresponding to its usage, age, etc. is chosen for the data. Users' familiar workflows are preserved, while storage systems are used much more efficiently.

The functional scope of the joint solution of Storage Made Easy and PoINT Software & Systems includes, among others, an active archive. The archiving of data is policy-based and automated. During its entire prescribed retention period the archived data is protected against modification and deletion in a legally compliant manner. Users also access the archived data transparently via the Enterprise File Fabric, regardless of whether the data is stored on a local file server or in the cloud.

"For our customers, the comprehensive search function and seamless data access via the Enterprise File Fabric platform open up many new application possibilities for PoINT Storage Manager," says Sebastian Klee, CMO at PoINT Software & Systems. Achim F. von Montigny, Sales Director Europe at Storage Made Easy adds: "The tiering and archiving features of PoINT Storage Manager improve the use of the flexible storage architecture within the Enterprise File Fabric and significantly facilitate the integration of different cloud solutions."

 

About Storage Made Easy:

Storage Made Easy’s Enterprise File Fabric™ integrates file and object data into one single platform through a unified file system that works with on-premises and on-cloud data storage assets.

End users, whether local or remote, are able to access the unified file system using web scale protocols and clients that bridge desktop and cloud, but which provide familiar workflows to end users.

Cloud-like economics are provided across a company's entire storage portfolio, unlocking the benefits and cost-efficiency of its data assets whilst providing strict controls and governance for legislative compliance, such as GDPR and CCPA, and addressing security concerns such as ransomware attacks.  

The platform’s unique File Transfer acceleration technology M-Stream®, speeds up the transfer of files from desktop to storage, storage to desktop or even public cloud to public cloud, enhancing user productivity and providing ROI on latency sensitive workflows.

The company is backed by Moore Strategic Ventures, LLC, the private investment vehicle of Louis M. Bacon, in addition to other private shareholders including London-based entrepreneurs who previously successfully exited their businesses to larger industry peers.

Storage Made Easy is the trading name of Vehera LTD.

 

Press release (PDF)

PoINT Data Replicator 2.0 with S3 Bucket Notification and independent services

PoINT Data Replicator Scheduler

Siegen. PoINT Data Replicator supports companies in securing valuable data against loss e.g. due to cyberattacks or hardware failures. With version 2.0 a new generation with extended functionality is available. Customers benefit from parallel backup runs and automated backup jobs.

The backup of data inventories on cloud or object storage is often neglected. And yet it is essential. Because here, there is a risk of data loss, too, especially due to malware and technical or human errors. The software PoINT Data Replicator creates an independent copy of the data in a spatially separated S3 bucket. In case of damage, this copy is directly accessible via S3.

The new version 2.0 of PoINT Data Replicator is based on GUI independent services. Thus, several replication jobs can be run in parallel and independently. The jobs can be triggered manually; alternatively, execution is controlled by the newly integrated scheduler.

When it comes to very large amounts of data, it is recommended to use the automated S3 bucket notification of PoINT Data Replicator to execute backups of object storage systems. With this function, only new objects are identified and replicated, so that the replication process is much more efficient. The regular jobs then perform a full data synchronization for control purposes.

With such a replication of data inventories by PoINT Data Replicator, companies increase data security and create continuity for their workflows in case of damage.

Press release (PDF)

SVA and PoINT: New Partnership for Optimal Data Management

SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH + PoINT Software & Systems GmbH

Wiesbaden/Siegen. The new partnership between PoINT Software & Systems and SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH gives companies access to innovative storage solutions for efficient and legally compliant data management. Thus, SVA expands its offering in the area of business continuity, among others.

The system house SVA offers comprehensive and flexible IT solutions at 25 locations throughout Germany. In the field of intelligent data and information management, SVA has now complemented its portfolio with PoINT's software solutions. "The new partnership with SVA is a special benefit for the customers", comments Sebastian Klee, CMO at PoINT Software & Systems, "because this way the companies benefit from the decades of experience and the comprehensive know-how of two experts for their IT".

With PoINT software products, SVA experts develop individual storage solutions tailored to the respective company, which seamlessly fit into the entire IT infrastructure. PoINT products enable optimization and efficient use of storage systems. At the same time, PoINT software supports companies in implementing compliance and archiving requirements. Maximum flexibility is provided by vendor independence and scalability.

In the future, customers will be able to meet the challenges of data growth with PoINT's software products and a overall solution from SVA.

 

About SVA:

SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH is one of the leading German system integrators with more than 2,000 employees at 25 locations in Germany. We combine high-quality IT products with project know-how and flexibility to provide optimal solutions for our customers. Industry-independent core topics are data center infrastructure – such as storage, server and network solutions and virtualization technologies – as well as business continuity, IT service management and SAP. Our experts also combine more than twenty years of IT infrastructure experience with know-how for modern requirements such as IT Security, Big Data Analytics & IoT, End User Computing, Cloud and Agile IT & Software Development.

 

Press release (PDF)

Broadcaster BRF archives media data securely and transparently with PoINT

Case Study Belgischer Rundfunk (BRF)

Siegen. The Belgian Broadcasting Corporation of the German-speaking Community (Belgischer Rundfunk, BRF) is working with PoINT to digitize old recordings. The PoINT Storage Manager securely and cost-effectively archives media files on tape, guaranteeing fast and transparent access to data.

BRF aims to gradually digitize older recordings stored on various analog tape-based media. This is resulting in the creation of audio and video files in a range of formats and sizes, from a few megabytes to hundreds of gigabytes. It quickly became clear that it was impossible to archive all of this data on hard-disk drives alone; instead, BRF needed a more cost-effective solution.

The company therefore decided to archive on digital tape with the help of PoINT Storage Manager. PoINT's software integrates an LTO-8 tape library seamlessly into BRF’s existing storage infrastructure to serve as an archive storage system. Using a two-tier, hierarchical approach to storage management, the PoINT Storage Manager automatically archives data to tape. Editors use the primary storage format's file system to access archived content, meaning that they can quickly and transparently access old audio and video recordings and use them in new reports.

“PoINT's software meets all of our requirements, and it was the most cost-effective option,” said Marc Schiffler, head of production and technology. “The data is saved in a non-proprietary format, and the system is fully transparent for the applications used to access the files. It does exactly what we need while still being easy to use.”

Tape-based archive storage is reliably scalable, so BRF stands ready to deal with the constantly rising volume of data in its archive. Archiving on tape improves data protection and ensures that files are available even if other tiers of the storage infrastructure experience outages.

About Belgischer Rundfunk:

The abbreviation BRF stands for Europe's smallest public service broadcaster. With around 70 employees the Belgian Broadcasting Corporation of the German-speaking Community is based in Eupen and has studios in Brussels and St. Vith. It offers three radio channels, one television channel and an internet portal. The Belgian Broadcasting is the public service broadcaster of the German-speaking Community of Belgium and thus has a corresponding mission to accomplish. It sees itself as a medium that primarily has to inform: for and about the German-speaking Community, about Belgium, the Euregio, but also about international events.

Press Release (PDF)

PostFinance AG achieves additional data protection with PoINT Archival Gateway

PostFinance AG Case Study

Siegen. The Swiss financial institution PostFinance AG is protecting valuable object-based data by automatically replicating it using the PoINT Archival Gateway. The PoINT Archival Gateway makes it possible to integrate tape as a cost-effective S3 storage class. With this high-performance and highly scalable storage solution, the financial institution achieves additional data protection. Even better, all of this was accomplished without having to restructure the existing storage infrastructure.

PostFinance AG needed a way to better protect the constantly rising volumes of data on its object storage systems. Specifically, it needed an independent copy of the data, to guard against malware and human error. Such a system needed to be as cost-efficient as possible, however.

In the end, PostFinance AG settled on automatic data replication with the PoINT Archival Gateway. This high-performance software-based object storage system saves large volumes of data on tape, enabling seamless integration of this cost-effective storage medium (which is available even when offline) via a standard S3 interface.

PostFinance AG has a Quantum i6 tape library at each of two independent locations. The PoINT Archival Gateway receives copies of the data from the existing hard-disk based object storage system and saves them redundantly to both tape libraries. If access to the backup copies is needed, it is done via the S3 API. And the tape libraries’ storage capacity can easily be scaled up as needed.

Andreas Christen, of the Technology & Information Center Infrastructure Data department, is very satisfied with how PoINT’s software is now being used: “With the PoINT Archival Gateway, we are replicating our archive data on tape, improving our data security. In the first three months, we backed up around 20 million objects in this way. Thanks to the standard interface, we can easily integrate the PoINT Archival Gateway into our existing storage infrastructure. By using tape as an additional S3 storage class, we have been able to massively improve our security design.”

The PoINT Archival Gateway now acts as a reliable data security solution for PostFinance AG. Now that it replicates object data to an offline storage medium, the company's data is more secure than ever. There was no need to restructure its existing storage architecture, and the solution’s standard interface means employee workflows proceed in just the same way as before.

About PostFinance AG:

PostFinance is one of Switzerland’s leading financial institutions, acting as a reliable partner for over 3 million people, both private and business customers, who want to manage their finances independently.

Press Release (PDF)

Object Matrix and PoINT Software & Systems Partner for Efficient Data Tiering

Object Matrix + PoINT Software & Systems

January 2020, Siegen, Germany and Cardiff, Wales: Object Matrix and PoINT Software & Systems have partnered to enable efficient lifecycle management with MatrixStore.

The combination of MatrixStore, the object storage solution for the media industry, with PoINTs Storage Manager enables media companies to manage their storage, ensuring that capacity is used as efficiently as possible. PoINT Storage Manager easily identifies inactive data which can be automatically migrated to MatrixStore, reducing the load on expensive primary storage. At the same time, customers maintain fast and easy access to their entire archive.

The MatrixStore object storage platform is extremely secure, tightly integrated to many media platforms, cost effective for low and high volumes of media and comes with no hidden costs or additional charges to access your data. The company’s cloud offering, MatrixStore Cloud, offers the benefits and functionality experienced by organisations using frequent access tiers of public cloud storage at pricing levels that are comparable with archive tiers but without the egress fees or un-predictable costs.

Sebastian Klee, CMO, PoINT Software & Systems, commented: “The combination of the established products MatrixStore and PoINT Storage Manager offers a seamlessly coordinated cross-industry solution for modern workflows. Users benefit from the flexible and transparent access possibilities of PoINT Storage Manager, coupled with the integrated security mechanisms of MatrixStore.”

Jonathan Morgan, CEO, Object Matrix, said: “Integrating with PoINT Storage Manager gives our users greater control over their entire archive, enabling files to be archived and tiered efficiently. Ultimately, this means they can easily optimise storage resources and maximise the cost efficiencies that come with storing more content in MatrixStore.”

Press release (PDF)

Press Releases 2020

Replicate files and objects in S3 buckets: PoINT Data Replicator

PoINT Data Replicator Screenshot

Siegen. PoINT Software & Systems GmbH has added a new product to its portfolio: the PoINT Data Replicator. This new solution lets users replicate both files and objects in an S3 object or cloud storage system.

Public cloud storage systems and on-premises object storage products have been popular choices for businesses and other organizations for many years. Among other reasons, this is because they are scalable, reliable and easy to integrate using an S3 interface.

With the PoINT Data Replicator, PoINT Software & Systems is responding to questions about data security that are raised by the use of these kinds of systems. First, the company’s new software solution makes it possible to replicate data stored within file systems (e.g. NAS drives) in a cloud or object storage solution. Second, the PoINT Data Replicator helps users protect their data once it is stored on the S3 system.

The software’s file-to-object functionality replicates file systems in an S3 bucket, using the file path as an object key so that standard S3 browsers display the original directory structure once replication is complete.

Hybrid- and multi-cloud solutions have become increasingly popular options for protecting data in cloud and object storage. Responsible firms make sure not to rely on any one supplier or product. To protect themselves, they save data to more than one type of S3 storage system (whether off- or on-premises). The new PoINT Data Replicator performs this task using its S3-to-S3 object replication function.

The object replication function replicates S3 objects, including their metadata, between any S3-enabled source and destination buckets.

The replication process is supported by a database which ensures that every time the job repeats, only new files and objects are replicated. The solution also has extensive logging tools in order to meet auditing requirements and other needs.

Use tape as an additional S3 storage class

Cloud and object stores require additional security, something tape-based S3 object stores are particularly well suited to provide. The PoINT Archival Gateway is one product that can help here. Since tapes are both secure and cost-effective, tape storage systems capable of saving objects in their native format via an S3 interface are the ideal solution for securing cloud and object stores. The PoINT Data Replicator takes care of replicating backup data to an S3-capable tape system.

This results in a replica of the original data being saved to a separate, secure, cost-effective storage system. The replicated data can be accessed directly at any time thanks to the S3 API. This makes it possible to switch cloud providers without having to go through the costly process of restoring data from the cloud.

Press release (PDF)

PoINT Storage Manager 6.5 features new archive file system

PoINT Storage Manager 6.5

Siegen. Version 6.5 of the PoINT Storage Manager is available now. Among other things, this new version of the software enables Linux-based systems to be seamlessly integrated into a tiered storage architecture and object-based storage to be configured for the capacity tier. Users now also have access to a redesigned archive file system that takes file permissions and other factors into account, opening up brand-new options for file archiving. Finally, the new release offers support for IBM Jaguar drives and certification for using the latest versions of the Cloudian HyperStore and Hitachi Content Platform (HCP) object storage systems as archive destinations.

Version 6.5 of the PoINT Storage Manager, released in August 2020, has significantly expanded the functionality of this long-established product, providing improvements and additions at all levels of the software.

Businesses are being pushed to respond to the growing volume of unstructured data and the increasingly strict standards for long-term storage. They are required to move data from costly primary storage systems to more cost-effective secondary storage, while also meeting any and all relevant regulatory requirements. The PoINT Storage Manager offers a solution to this challenge by automatically transferring data within the storage hierarchy according to prespecified rules, ensuring that data is securely archived using WORM protection, versioning and retention management.

Version 6.5 of the PoINT Storage Manager integrates NFS-based primary storage better than ever, making it possible to easily integrate even Linux-based systems into a tiered storage architecture.

As well as file-based storage systems such as NAS, users can now also use object-based systems for tiered storage, including at the capacity tier.

With standard for archiving higher than ever, PoINT Storage Manager meets the challenge with a redesigned feature: a WORM-enabled archive file system that accounts for file permissions.

Aside from LTO drives, the new version also supports tape libraries, now including IBM 3592-series drives. With this innovation, PoINT is particularly targeting data center operators who have high standards for data storage, security and availability. Meanwhile, the latest versions of the Cloudian HyperStore and Hitachi Content Platform (HCP) object storage systems are also officially certified.

“Version 6.5 of the PoINT Storage Manager incorporates a wide range of requests from our customers,” said Sebastian Klee, head of Marketing & Sales at PoINT Software & System GmbH. “This significantly expands the range of possible applications for our HSM/ILM and archiving software. Since its initial release in 2007, we have continued to add all kinds of new functionality. The result is a mature solution used by hundreds of customers all around the world.”

Press Release (PDF)

PoINT Software & Systems Joins the Active Archive Alliance

Active Archive Alliance

Boulder, Colorado. The Active Archive Alliance announced today that PoINT Software & Systems has joined the organization, which collaboratively provides end-users with technical expertise and guidance to design and implement modern solutions for data growth challenges and lifecycle management. PoINT Software & Systems joins a growing number of industry-leading storage and IT vendors that support the use of active archive solutions for harvesting and maintaining the value of archival data.

“Exponential data growth is driving fundamental change in computing, storage, and analytics and spurring increased interest in active archive solutions,” said Peter Faulhaber, chairman of the Active Archive Alliance and President and CEO of FUJIFILM Recording Media U.S.A., Inc. “PoINT Software & Systems expands the Alliance membership’s breadth of innovative active archive solutions for intelligent data management. We are pleased to welcome them to the Active Archive Alliance.”

Organizations around the world are creating and accumulating data at unprecedented rates. An active archive manages data for rapid search, retrieval, and analytics – both efficiently and cost-effectively. It leverages an intelligent data management layer that enables online access to data throughout its lifecycle regardless of which tier it resides in the storage hierarchy. Active archive solutions span all pools of storage, including hard disks, flash, magnetic tapes, optical media, object store and cloud storage.

PoINT Software & Systems specializes in the development and distribution of software products for storage, management and long-term archiving of data using all available storage technologies. “PoINT’s storage and data management software provides an exceptionally efficient way to reduce costs without productive restrictions while fulfilling requirements for long-term compliant storage,” said Sebastian Klee, CMO at PoINT Software & Systems. “Our products allow efficient usage of storage systems and help to reduce costs and issues caused by data growth. PoINT products have been proven in more than two million installations worldwide.

About Active Archive Alliance

The Active Archive Alliance serves as a vendor-neutral, trusted source for providing end-users with technical expertise and guidance to design and implement modern active archive strategies that solve data growth challenges through intelligent data management. Active archives enable reliable, online and cost-effective access to data throughout its life and are compatible with flash, disk, tape, or cloud as well as file, block or object storage systems. They help move data to the appropriate storage tiers to minimize cost while maintaining ease of user accessibility. Members and sponsors include Fujifilm, Spectra Logic, Atempo, Harmony Healthcare IT, IBM, Iron Mountain, MediQuant, PoINT Software & Systems, QStar Technologies, Quantum, Qumulo, StrongBox Data Solutions and Western Digital.

Press Release (PDF)

PoINT Archival Gateway supports IBM Jaguar drives

PoINT Software & Systems GmbH has released Version 2.1 of its software solution PoINT Archival Gateway for tape-based S3 object storage. This new version provides support for IBM TS3500 and TS4500 libraries, covering both LTO drives and IBM 3592 series models. It is aimed in particular at data center operators, who have high standards in terms of data storage, security and availability.

Given the enormous rate of growth of unstructured business data, and the increasing need to protect against ransomware (in particular with an air-gap solution), tape technology is becoming increasingly important. Moreover, tape media can store and archive large volumes of data much more cheaply than hard drive-based systems. As a scalable, high-performance S3-based object storage system, PoINT Archival Gateway ensures that these large volumes of data can be reliably saved to tape libraries.

PoINT Archival Gateway provides an S3-compatible interface to other applications, so hard drive-based object storage systems like NetApp StorageGRID and Cloudian HyperStore can also replicate or transfer data to tape with the help of PoINT’s software. The solution can also be used to back up or replicate productive cloud data.

One key advantage of the PoINT Archival Gateway is its native support for integrating tape libraries and drives. This approach enables extremely high throughput rates, rising above one petabyte per day. Thanks to flexible erasure coding settings, data can also be saved redundantly to multiple tapes or even separate libraries, improving your resilience further still.

 

Press release (PDF)

PoINT offers new options for accessing relocated and archived data

PoINT Storage Manager - Archiving methods

Siegen. PoINT has integrated new ways of accessing relocated and archived data into its product PoINT Storage Manager. In doing so, it is expanding the range of possible applications for the HSM and archiving solution. Users now have more options for implementing tiering and archiving concepts.

Businesses are being pushed to respond to the growing volume of unstructured data and the increasingly strict demands for long-term storage. They are required to move data from costly primary storage systems to more cost-effective secondary storage, while also meeting any and all relevant regulatory requirements. The PoINT Storage Manager offers a solution to this challenge by automatically transferring data within the storage hierarchy according to prespecified rules, ensuring that data is securely archived using WORM protection, versioning and retention management.

The decisive factor, however, is not how data is transferred or archived, but specifically how users then access this data once again. PoINT’s product already allows transparent links – so-called “stubbing” – provided that the primary storage system supports it. Now, the new version of the PoINT Storage Manager supports a new method that works for almost all NAS systems: symbolic links. Together with web links (URL or HTML files) and browser-based access, administrators can use the method that suits their storage infrastructure best.

The PoINT Storage Manager offers file-based tiering and archiving with transparent access methods. Unlike the proprietary block-based tiering solutions offered by some storage system suppliers, the file-based approach is independent of individual storage systems and technologies, avoiding vendor lock-in. File tiering also preserves the integrity of files, since they are effectively handled as a single data unit together with their metadata. By using transparent file tiering like that offered by the PoINT Storage Manager, businesses can also run applications like backup programs and migrate data without having to first move relocated data back to primary storage. This is another decisive benefit of the file-based approach offered by the PoINT Storage Manager.

Press release (PDF)

ReiseBank AG optimizes and future-proofs its storage systems with PoINT

Case Study ReiseBank AG

Siegen. ReiseBank AG is automatically archiving “cold” data with the PoINT Storage Manager, reducing the amount of inactive data stored on its network drives. With the help of PoINT software, the market leader in the travel money business has been able to reduce its backup and recovery times significantly and create a future-proof storage infrastructure.

Large amounts of inactive data were taking up valuable storage space on ReiseBank AG’s network drives, making backup and recovery times much longer than they needed to be. To solve this problem, the credit institute started looking for a software solution that would automatically archive data that was only rarely accessed, moving it away from the company’s highperformance primary storage systems. The transfer process needed to run in the background based on a set of predefined rules. Meanwhile, users needed to retain seamless, transparent access to archived data so their usual workflows could continue unchanged.

Following a test phase supported and guided by the PoINT team, the company settled on a two-tier storage architecture using the PoINT Storage Manager Enterprise Edition. This software reliably and automatically moves inactive data to more cost-effective secondary storage systems. It supports storage media from any vendor, so existing resources can remain in use instead of being replaced. The PoINT Storage Manager allows access to archived files via so-called “stubs” within the primary storage system’s user interface. This means that the usual workflows remain unchanged for end users in other departments.

The primary storage has its load reduced by removing cold data, making a significant difference in terms of backup costs and time requirements. “We are especially relaxed about rising data volumes now,” said Hans Hohenwarter, head of system operations at ReiseBank AG. “The PoINT Storage Manager has us well equipped for the future and we can counter the rising costs, too.”

ReiseBank AG has found a genuine long-term solution for data and storage management thanks to the PoINT software’s flexible configuration and ease of expansion as data volumes continue to rise.

About ReiseBank AG

ReiseBank AG is a market leader in travel funds and one of the top precious metal traders in Germany. The company has 91 branches, primarily located at large airports and railway stations. As a 100% subsidiary of DZ BANK AG, it provides foreign currency and precious metals to around 800 institutes of the Genossenschaftliche FinanzGruppe cooperative and its customers via institutional trading and mail order services. With its experience operating its own stationary and mobile ATM's, it also provides a full cash management service operating ATM's for third-party banks.

Press Release (PDF)

Press Releases 2019

High-performance S3 object storage on tape: PoINT Archival Gateway - Compact Edition

PoINT Archival Gateway - single node configuration

Siegen. PoINT has added a significant number of new functions to its product the PoINT Archival Gateway and now offers a Compact Edition of its tape-based S3 object storage system for small and medium-sized installations. With the Compact Edition, PoINT is particularly targeting businesses looking for a cost-effective solution for tape-based storage and management of data volumes in the single-digit petabyte range.

The PoINT Archival Gateway is a scalable, high-performance S3-based object storage software system. It stores and manages large quantities of data on tape libraries. Tape technology in particular is playing an increasingly important role among businesses, in light of the enormous rise in volumes of unstructured data, increasing demands on archival systems and the need to protect (air-gap) systems against ransomware. Tape-based media are also far more cost-effective than hard drive-based systems for storing and archiving large quantities of data.

In order for companies to seamlessly integrate tape libraries into their storage infrastructure, it is advisable for them to use software based on S3 object storage principles. The standardised S3 API is being supported by more and more applications, and its underlying HTTP protocol is also particularly effective in light of the particular properties of tape, such as long load times. This is the approach PoINT has realised with the PoINT Archival Gateway.

The solution for big data storage

This scalable solution supports installations with up to eight tape libraries holding several thousand slots for storing hundreds of petabytes. Now, the Compact Edition offers an alternative for small to medium-sized installations. The functionality of the Compact Edition is identical to that of its larger version. The Compact Edition can be installed on one server and optionally set up to run redundantly on a second. The Compact Edition is a particularly cost-effective solution for customers with storage requirements in the single-digit petabyte range.

Customers using hard drive-based object storage systems such as NetApp StorageGRID or Cloudian HyperStore can use the PoINT Archival Gateway to copy their data to tape.

PoINT also offers an emulator version of the PoINT Archival Gateway for Proofs of Concept and testing purposes. It can be used to test how to integrate tape-based S3 object storage without physically configuring a tape library.

Press Release (PDF)

PoINT Storage Manager 6.4: More archiving flexibility for users

PoINT Storage Manager, "User Controlled Archiving" (Screenshot)

Siegen. Version 6.4 of the PoINT Storage Manager is available now. The focus for this latest release is the “User Controlled Archiving” function, which allows users to customise which data to archive and when. This makes it easier to maintain compliance and securely archive data.

Previously, the PoINT Storage Manager software had only given administrators the right to specify criteria and rules for automatically archiving data. This newly integrated function, “User Controlled Archiving”, is now also available to users as a Windows Explorer add-in. This makes archiving data just as easy as creating a copy of it, and eliminates the need to open another application or enter data in a separate interface.

The administrator specifies which users have the appropriate permissions to individually archive data and also determines which commands are available. This means that control over the archiving system as a whole is still centralised.

“User Controlled Archiving significantly expands the range of applications for our established software solution, the PoINT Storage Manager,” said Thomas Thalmann, CEO at PoINT Software & Systems GmbH. “Many of our customers have been asking for this new feature, which is now here for version 6.4.”

Press Release (PDF)

SIXT revs up with the PoINT Storage Manager

Das Logozeigt den Firmennamen SIXT in schwarzer Schrift mit einem organgenen i-Punkt.

Siegen. The mobility service provider SIXT SE is using the PoINT Storage Manager to relieve the load on its primary storage system by moving seldom-used data to more cost-effective secondary storage. In doing so, the company is avoiding having to expand its primary storage and can make optimal use of its infrastructure.

Home directories containing countless Excel, Word, PowerPoint, email, video and image files were located on primary NetApp MetroCluster systems at SIXT. In response, the company realised a hierarchical storage management (HSM) system to transfer inactive data from high-performance tier 1 storage clusters (NetApp FAS) to more cost-effective secondary storage (NetApp E-Series). However, users needed to retain read access to all of this data without having to first move it back to primary storage. SIXT found the right solution to this challenge in the Enterprise Edition of the PoINT Storage Manager from PoINT Storage & Systems GmbH. The PoINT Storage Manager monitors how often users access data located on the primary storage level (tier 1). If a file is accessed only rarely – and if all of SIXT’s other defined criteria are met – the software automatically transfers it to the next storage tier, which is more cost-effective. Users can still access files via primary storage as usual, thanks to so-called “stubs” which allow
users to read data even after it is moved without having to transfer it back to the high-performance storage system.
As a result, SIXT is able to minimise the storage space required on its primary system and reduce management work by automating the associated processes. Meanwhile, PoINT ensures that SIXT’s storage infrastructure remains flexible, as it remains compatible with all available storage technology, regardless of the manufacturer.

“The PoINT Storage Manager makes data available for users to read even beyond the confines of the data centre,” said Stefan Kerber, Head of Data Centre Management at SIXT. “The software reliably meets our needs, so we are very satisfied with it. Aside from the intuitive installation and the actual functionality, we particularly appreciate PoINT Software & Systems’ short lines of communication.”

Press Release (PDF)

PoINT presents high-performance S3 gateway for archiving and big data storage

Infographic of the software - PoINT Archival Gateway

Siegen. The PoINT Archival Gateway, a new software solution from PoINT Software & Systems GmbH, combines high performance, scalability and high availability of data. It receives data via an S3 interface which it then archives on storage systems such as tape or optical libraries. Integrated erasure coding ensures that data is distributed redundantly, improving the system’s reliability and performance. The PoINT Archival Gateway will be available in Q2 2019.

The PoINT Archival Gateway can write and read over one petabyte of data per day. This high level of performance makes the software ideal for applications wherever large volumes of data are stored. The software’s S3 interfaces also mean that businesses can integrate cloud-ready applications without having to make any adaptations to it. The PoINT Archival Gateway’s S3 HTTP service supports thousands of parallel client connections, enabling maximum throughput rates. A clear, comprehensible administrative interface makes configuration completely intuitive and provides a quick overview of the system’s capacity, object count and performance at all times.

WORM functionality and integrated retention management ensure that data is protected against manipulation or unintended deletion, making it easy for businesses to meet their compliance obligations. Users can also implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy without any extra work, as the software supports tape and optical storage media so that offline storage is also as easy as can be.

“With digitisation on the rise and data volumes increasing enormously, the PoINT Archival Gateway represents a scalable, high-performance solution that helps businesses to quickly and securely store their data, archiving it in compliance with the relevant regulations and legislation,” said Thomas Thalmann, CEO at PoINT Software & Systems GmbH.

 

Press Release (PDF)

Max Planck Institute relieves load on primary storage with PoINT

The graphic shows how the Max Planck Institute operates HSM and ILM with PoINT Storage Manager.

Siegen. The Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research (MPI) has freed up terabytes’ worth of measurement data by adopting the PoINT Storage Manager, benefiting in a number of ways as a result. The institute has been able to reduce costs and backup times while also enabling audit-compliant archiving of its research data.

For many years, the MPI stored its data on hard drive-based systems. This included measurement data with file sizes measured in gigabytes or terabytes which is only rarely accessed. As a result, the MPI sought out a solution which would free its primary storage of this seldom-used data. MPI’s IT staff found the right solution to their storage challenge in the PoINT Storage Manager software. “Following a test phase in which we tested the software under every scenario we could think of, we were convinced by its ease of use thanks to its clear, intuitive interface – not to mention its wide range of functionality. Other plus points included the PoINT Storage Manager’s clear and easy-to-understand archiving and HSM rules, which can be modified and expanded as required. Moreover, the PoINT product allows us to quickly and elegantly restore data,” said Prof. Dr. Mario Looso, Head of the IT and Bioinformatics Facility at the MPI.

Since the PoINT Storage Manager was introduced, the software has archived MPI’s research data for the long term while providing transparent read access. This is made possible by so-called “stubs”, which allow users to read archived data without having to transfer it back to the primary storage system. This function allows the PoINT Storage Manager to free up inactive data, enabling full backups within the MPI’s desired time window.

“We see this mature software as a long-term, future-proof solution which gives us flexibility despite rising volumes of data,” said Prof. Dr. Mario Looso, summing up the results. We are very pleased with both the product and the service we received. PoINT meets all of our requirements in full.”

 

Press Release (PDF)

Press Releases 2018

PoINT Storage Manager 6.3: Web interface and archive storage analysis

Via the web interface of PoINT Storage Manager users can access archived data independent of location and platform

Key benefits of the new version are more flexible working and a clear overview of storage capacity

Siegen. Version 6.3 of the PoINT Storage Manager, available now, enables access to data from any location, on any platform, using a graphical web interface. The software also offers archive storage analysis, which allows administrators to clearly see at any time how much capacity is being used on each storage medium and how often data is accessed.

The PoINT Storage Manager therefore helps businesses to use their storage systems more efficiently within a tiered storage architecture. To do so, it uses a prespecified ruleset to transfer inactive data from expensive primary storage (the performance tier) to more cost-effective storage tiers (the capacity or archive tier). The new version of the data & storage management software includes a web interface which is compatible with all operating systems, platforms and devices. After logging in, the user can use this interface to access the data managed by the PoINT Storage Manager. They can therefore view archived files (including different versions of the files) from any location.

The second key new feature for the PoINT Storage Manager is its archive storage analysis functionality, which allows administrators to see at any time how much of each storage system’s overall capacity is being used and how often data is accessed. This overview also provides the number and age distribution of archived files. Using this information, admins can quickly
assess when it will be necessary to invest in additional storage hardware. They can also use the statistical functionality to see which file types make up
what proportion of the overall data volumes. They can also see an overview of file access history to understand what data users are reading and writing (and how much of it). This setup can be used as a basis to further optimise data transfer rules.

 

Press Release (PDF)

Local authority of Hof frees its primary storage system of “cold data” with PoINT

Info graphic of the PoINT Storage Manager Installation at Town of Hof

Siegen. In order to make more efficient use of its available storage space, the town of Hof has adopted the PoINT Storage Manager. This software has enabled the Bavarian local authority to automatically transfer inactive data off its primary storage system. With regard to operating, maintenance and investment costs, the implementation amortized itself within the first year.

An analysis revealed that around 70% of the data on the Hof local authority’s file servers was inactive, meaning that it was no longer being used by employees. “Users create and save data, but generally don’t delete it. So we started looking for a software solution that would automatically move older data to a cheaper storage system after – in our case – two years,” said Dieter Knöchel, Head of Data Processing, Communication and Networks at the Hof local authority. During his search, he stumbled across the PoINT Storage Manager, a software solution that automatically distinguishes between “hot” and “cold” data, transferring the latter type within a multi-tier storage structure based on the rules it is given.
In the case of the Hof local authority, this structure involves a two-tier architecture comprising primary and secondary storage. Access to data on the secondary system is preserved, as the PoINT Storage Manager retains a stub on the primary system.

“As a result, the PoINT Storage Manager does exactly what we want, transparently moving more than two-thirds of the total data off our primary storage units. No alternative came close, since the biggest advantage with PoINT Software is that the user doesn’t even notice all of this,” said Gerd Schmidt, Head of Technology at the Hof local authority.
Given the outstanding results this solution has produced, the Hof local authority is now considering expanding its use of PoINT products.

Press Release (PDF)

“We take a relaxed view of the rising volume of data”

The PoINT Storage Manager does rule-based archiving at EUROIMMUN AG.

Siegen. EUROIMMUN AG, a laboratory diagnostic system manufacturer, relieves the load on its primary storage system with the PoINT Storage Manager software permanently and automatically. Inactive data volumes are moved to secondary storage in line with the company’s own ruleset – while users retain fully transparent access.

If the primary storage system is overloaded, the consequences are not just high costs also backups take much longer. EUROIMMUN AG found a solution to this problem: within a two-tiered storage architecture (HSM) the PoINT Storage Manager software, which transfers inactive data to more cost-effective secondary storage based on the company’s own rules. What sets this solution apart is that the data remains transparent and accessible. “For our users by the stubbing process nothing changes,” says Niklas Wiegmann, IT system administrator for computing, hardware and networking at EUROIMMUN AG. “Since adopting the PoINT Storage Manager, we no longer need to worry about transferring and archiving data.” The system manufacturer now also has no concerns about the rising volume of data at the company, even given the many terabytes of data it already holds. Thanks to PoINT’s solution, the EUROIMMUN AG has plenty of free space and keeps backup times low. Implementing the software required no major special arrangements: integrating the PoINT Storage Manager is a quick and easy process.

 

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PoINT Storage Manager 6.2 improves availability of data

At the first storage level the PSM 6.2 provides a PoINT Secondary Access Server.

Siegen. PoINT Software & Systems GmbH has announced the release of version 6.2 of the PoINT Storage Manager. This new release of the data and storage management software stands out in particular for its improved stability, ensuring greater availability of relocated and archived data. Version 6.2 is available now.

The PoINT Storage Manager allows users to use their available storage capacity more efficiently within a tiered storage architecture. To this end, the software transfers inactive data from costly primary storage (the Performance Tier) to more cost-effective storage systems (the Capacity or Archive tiers), where it is then archived. The solution’s new functionality, enabling automatic failover on the next level of storage, offers improved stability: if the primary storage system fails, the automatic failover system preserves read access to data with the replication device.

The PoINT Storage Manager 6.2 also includes a PoINT Secondary Access Server (PSAS). This is a kind of second PoINT Storage Manager server which is used if the primary PoINT Storage Manager server fails. The PoINT Secondary Access Server then enables read access to archived files, preserving users’ access to data. This new function currently operates in combination with NetApp FAS systems; support for additional primary storage systems will follow in due course.

“In business-critical environments,” said Thomas Thalmann, Managing Director at PoINT Software & Systems GmbH, “it is essential to guarantee data availability and accessibility, no matter where it is stored. The new functionality within PoINT Storage Manager 6.2 ensures significantly improved availability for relocated or archived data, even when servers or storage systems fail.”
For more information, visit www.point.de and www.point.de/contact

 

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Press Releases 2017

EU GDPR? PoINT Storage Manager 6.1!

The black and white picture shows the upper body of a man in a suit who shows with his finger on a cloud in which EU DSGVO is written.

Siegen. Businesses that are not yet ready for the EU’s new General Data Protection Regulations (EU GDPR) can now relax: version 6.1 of the PoINT Storage Manager is here and will help you to implement the regulations coming into force on May 25, 2018.

In line with the upcoming regulations, companies holding European citizens’ personal data must delete such data on request. PoINT Storage Manager 6.1 enables not just logical but also physical deletion. “This makes it possible to delete files in a targeted manner where required. On the other hand, if the files need to be kept, they must be suitably protected. PoINT’s software offers this protection via retention management and WORM functionality, fulfilling compliance requirements and preventing unintended changes or manipulation,” said Thomas Thalmann, CEO of PoINT Software & Systems GmbH.
The functionality of the PoINT Storage Manager helps businesses not just meet data protection regulations but also optimize their use of storage.
As well as the functions named above, version 6.1 also supports a wider range of storage systems, which now includes SUSE Enterprise Storage, IBM COS and Sony ODA.

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Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster optimizes its storage environment

Siegen. Commercial data volumes are rising by the day – but adding storage capacity costs money. This was exactly the issue facing the agricultural publisher Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster. In order to break out of this vicious cycle, the media firm implemented a new data storage plan: instead of expanding its existing storage environment, it implemented a multi-tiered storage architecture based on intelligent data and storage management. The solution automatically differentiates between active and inactive data – and stores it according to its intended use in tiers of differencing performance levels. Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster chose the PoINT Storage Manager from PoINT Software & Systems GmbH to realize this concept, while the implementation partner for the project was ICSmedia GmbH, which had supported the publishing house with IT services for many years.

Around 15 terabytes of highly available data is located on Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster’s file servers; it had previously been distributed across two mirrored NetApp storage systems. The constantly rising data volumes required more and more storage space. Expanding the mirrored cluster storage system initially appeared to be the only way out – but it was an expensive option. Looking for an alternative, the company received a decisive tip-off from ICSmedia GmbH: "We recommended that Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster examine how its existing data was being used. Was all of it really in active use? And did it actually need to be kept in mirrored primary storage?" said Johann Miske, the relevant sales associate at ICSmedia GmbH, as he explained the process.

Over the course of this further analysis, it became clear that primary storage alone was not in fact necessary. "With the PoINT Storage Manager, we could therefore provide a suitable solution enabling rules-based storage on a capacity-oriented NetApp FAS SATA shelf without changing how employees accessed the data. This allowed the optimization of existing storage systems."

That really caught everyone’s interest! Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster placed the solution under the microscope with a detailed three-month test phase. "With the PoINT Storage Manager, we realized a range of scenarios in which our data was distributed according to this storage plan," said Thorsten Schmidt, vice-head of IT at Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster, adding, "The storage process remains transparent at all times, meaning data is always  directly accessible." After just a few weeks, the data and storage management software was therefore awarded the contract. Since then, Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster has been able to make significantly more efficient use of its existing capacity and save the investments in storage which it had originally planned to make.

Inactive data is moved to the lower storage tier according to a rules-driven process. Specifically, the management software includes a setting which automatically moves data older than three months from primary to secondary storage. All of this was achieved with a relatively low investment cost: "Adopting the PoINT Storage Manager costs us significantly less, including over the long term, than purchasing more mirrored primary storage," said Thorsten Schmidt, summarizing the results.

In implementing the new storage solution, the agricultural publisher is also sowing the seeds for the future. If the existing volumes prove no longer to be sufficient at some point down the line, the company can move its data to ICSmedia’s data center, where it will be available in the cloud.

About Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster:

Landwirtschaftsverlag Münster is one of the 100 largest media companies in Germany, with approximately 600 employees located both in the country and abroad. The firm publishes magazines, books and new media for the agricultural and rural sectors; with a total of 30 specialist and general-interest titles, it is the leading specialist agrarian publisher in Europe.

About ICSmedia GmbH:

ICSmedia GmbH, a member of the DTS Group, is an established IT service provider focusing on the fields of data centers, security and technology. The company maintains three of its own data centers in Germany and has many years of technical know-how as well as extensive expertise in security.

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On the safe side - PoINT Storage Manager Version 6.0 with retention management meets archiving standards

Siegen. PoINT Software & Systems GmbH has released version 6.0 of its data and storage management software. The new release focuses in particular on retention management functions which allow users to securely store and manage their data. The PoINT Storage Manager therefore helps users to implement all aspects of compliance guidelines.

PoINT Storage Manager allows users to make use of their storage systems within a tiered storage architecture, saving resources. Inactive data are rule-based moved from expensive primary storage to more cost-effective secondary storage within a lower tier. Thanks to the retention management features added in version 6.0, in combination with WORM functionality, the software meets all compliance standards for archiving. The archiving rules are configured within a storage vault, where users can define retention periods for specific folders or subjects. This provides them with the flexibility needed to meet the needs and specifications of individual workflows. Once the retention period expires – at the end of the file’s life cycle, in other words – the file can be marked by an administrator for deletion.

In addition to the software’s retention management functions, Version 6.0 of PoINT Storage Manager allows IT administrators to mark and delete archived data with previously deleted links (so-called “stubs”) in performance tier. This can be done rule-based at pre-defined intervals. The functionality for versioning of archived data has also been expanded, allowing users to specify how many versions of an archived file should be saved.

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