Sun Microsystems today unveiled a virtual tape library (VTL) that is the first storage product based on its “Thumper” data server.
Sun is calling the offering the Sun StorageTek Virtual Tape Library Value (“VTL Value”) System despite its $85,000 price tag. The product combines the Sun Fire X4500 server with FalconStor’s VTL software, powered by the Solaris Operating System and optimized by ZFS, Sun’s new file system. It packs 24 terabytes of SATA disk storage in a 4U rack space and offers 225 MB/s performance.
Sun is targeting VTL Value at small to medium businesses and remote office/back office operations for the enterprise. Sun says the all-in-one, pre-configured appliance is easy to install and integrates seamlessly with backup products. It offers a single management interface that works with ZFS to eliminate volume management.
Dan Albright, Sun’s VTL value group manager, said VTL Value is 50 percent more energy efficient than competing solutions, while offering pricing and capacity that compares favorably to offerings from the likes of EMC, Quantum, Diligent and Data Domain.
Sun CEO Jonathan Schwartz said on the company’s earnings conference call last week that Thumper sales are running at a $100 million annual rate, and that the platform will be an important one for the company moving forward.
VTL Value is interoperable with Sun StorageTek VTL Plus. It is a product of Sun’s closer relationship with FalconStor that will eventually yield a high-end VTL.
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