SONY SOURCES AIT DRIVES FOR HP PROLIANT SERVERS
Rack Kits Included Free of Charge with Internal AIT Branded Drives
Ideal for Systems Integrators, System Builders, Reseller and End-users
SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 31, 2004 - Sony Electronics has simplified Advanced Intelligent Tape ™ (AIT) drive installation within Hewlett-Packard ProLiant servers by including custom mounting accessories with Sony branded internal AIT drive packages.
Designed specifically for ProLiant servers, the mounting kits ease the integration of internal AIT drives (either SCSI or ATAPI/IDE-based) for ProLiant owners and integrators. The kits include both rails and brackets for a seamless fit within the HP servers.
"By bundling rail kits with Sony AIT drives, we're making it easy for system resellers to add the large capacity, compact size and WORM functionality of AIT to ProLiant servers," said Michael Nixon, senior manager for the Business Solutions and Systems Division of Sony Electronics.
"We're a fan of Sony's AIT technology because of its capacity, performance and reliability advantages, as well as its value, which make it attractive to a wider range of our clients," said Greg Glasgow, chief technology officer and vice president for LANSolutions LLC. "Our customers want AIT and we're pleased that HP ProLiant compatible solutions are available to us though Sony's distribution channel."
Ranging from 35GB native storage capacity of AIT-1 to 100GB native capacity of AIT-3, and up to 200GB with next-generation AIT-4, the compact 8-mm AIT format provides a dependable backup solution for a wide range of ProLiant users within small-to-medium-business or enterprise department environments. And because AIT media is removable, businesses can easily store their archives offsite to safeguard against campus disasters.
Tailored user guides and procedure manuals accompany the custom mounting kits, outlining detailed installation requirements, as well as the necessary steps to create a disaster recovery tape for ProLiant servers. The same documentation is also available with select external SCSI-based AIT drives.
Sony branded AIT drives are currently available with mounting kits and documentation through the company's channel of commercial distributors, value-added resellers (VARs) and system integrators. The mounting accessories are shipping as a standard option, meaning drive price is not affected. Current suggested manufacturer list prices for the drives are as follows:
AIT-1 internal ATAPI (model AITi90-A/S) - $779
AIT-1 internal SCSI (model AITi90/S) - $795
AIT-2 internal ATAPI (model AITi130-A/S) - $1,149
AIT-2 internal SCSI (model AITi130/S) - $1,098
AIT-3 internal SCSI (model AITi230/S) - $1,999
Sony currently offers a three-year limited warranty, plus an advanced exchange program with its branded AIT tape storage solutions. More information about Sony's line-up of AIT solutions and the new reseller program can be found at www.stroragebysony.com.
Editors Note: Based in San Jose, Calif., the Business Solutions and Systems Division of Sony Electronics markets storage solutions through OEM, commercial and industrial distributors, retailers and resellers. For additional information about Sony storage products, visit Sony's web sites at http://www.sony.com/news or http://www.storagebysony.com.
