ChatGPT Recommends VTL for Backup, LaserVault ViTL Meets Challenge

Electronic Storage Corporation announced that ChatGPT notes what LaserVault ViTL IBM i customers know from experience: using a VTL for backup and recovery saves time and money.

ChatGPT cites 5 benefits of using a VTL for backup:

1. Faster backup and restore times: Because VTLs use disk storage instead of physical tapes, backup and restore operations can be significantly faster. This is especially true for incremental and differential backups, as only the changed data needs to be backed up.

2. Cost savings: Using a VTL can be more cost-effective than using physical tapes. Physical tapes require ongoing maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing worn-out tapes, while a VTL only requires disk space.

3. Improved reliability: Virtual tapes are less prone to physical damage and can be easily replicated for off-site storage. This makes them a more reliable backup solution than physical tapes, which can be prone to data loss due to damage or mishandling.

4. Easier management: VTLs can be easily managed through a user-friendly
   interface, allowing administrators to monitor backups and perform tasks such as tape replication and migration with ease.

5. Better integration: VTL are designed to work seamlessly with backup software, allowing for more efficient data transfers and easier management of backup policies.

In fact, ChatGPT states: “Using a VTL for backup can provide faster, more reliable, and cost-effective backup and restore operations, making it an attractive option for many organizations.”

As a customer-facing financial institution, Bank of Utah has not only logistical needs for a dependable backup solution, but regulatory requirements as well. According to Chris McIntyre, AVP, data center and IT operations, LaserVault’s ViTL virtual tape solution has met all their concerns.

The decision for ViTL was made once McIntyre worked with LaserVault support. “It was clear that they understood what we needed and they worked with the bank to implement and resolve our initial problems.”

Initial concerns over the cost and possible complexity of ViTL were quickly relieved. He explains: “Actually ViTL continues to save us time each day in our operations. Plus, we can certify to examiners that the backup data is offsite via a scheduled process.”

“ViTL helps solve the problems so many IBM i users face with backing up their data to physical tape,” says Brad Jensen, CEO, Electronic Storage Corp., maker of LaserVault solutions. “We are repeatedly told how using tape is slowing down systems and requires too much handling to keep up with the demands IBM i users face for backup and recovery of their data. Tape continues to be a hassle for them. We’re excited to offer ViTL to the IBM Power Systems market.”

Jensen echoes ChatGPT’s observes: “There are so many benefits to using ViTL instead of tape. Our customers start seeing an immediate ROI with their first backup. Then they tell us how they wish they hadn’t waited so long to switch from using tape. And with ViTL you get more cartridges and drives for a lower cost than other VTLs. With the increased frequency and severity of natural and man-made disasters, our customers are searching for more secure and cost effective methods to back up their data, along with faster means for recovering data should a disaster occur. LaserVault ticks all the boxes.”

The company’s ViTL solution is an enterprise-level VTL for IBM Power systems, including IBM i, AIX and Linux. It provides everyone of the benefits for backup and recovery operations that ChatGPT describes.

Better yet, rather than a traditional virtual tape library, there is no limit on the size of virtual tape files other than the available disk space when using ViTL. ViTL emulates an IBM TS3200 tape library (3573-L4U) with extra cartridges. It connects to the IBM i (iSeries, AS/400, System i, AIX or Linux) via FC or SAS and includes options for more drives and more slots than a standard tape library without adding additional hardware.

ViTL allows the administrator to create virtual tape images and to run programs on the ViTL server from the IBM i, simplifying the backup and recovery process even further.

With ViTL’s TapeOut feature backups can be replicated to physical tape if tapes are required for auditing or other purposes. In addition, backups can be saved without tape to a hard drive, NAS, SAN or de-dupe appliance.

ViTL works flawlessly with BRMS, Robot Save and other IBM backup software, simplifying the backup process even further. A webinar hosted by Help Systems, makers of Robot Save, in conjunction with LaserVault, explains the benefits of using the two solutions together.

“The new ViTL product is a winner. Combined with Robot Save your unattended IBM i backups are a snap, even restricted state,” says Chuck Losinski, director, technical solutions, HelpSystems, now Fortra LLC.

LaserVault ViTL meets or exceeds all 5 of ChatGPT’s findings. LaserVault ViTL backup and recovery solution is available. IBM i users can read more about ViTL on the IBM Global Solutions Directory.