Third Generation of Arkeia Backup Appliances

Arkeia Software announced a new generation of all-in-one backup appliances.

The new generation delivers larger internal disk capacity and RAID-6 for more secure local data storage. The faster network connectivity and integrated SSD contribute to shorter backup windows. The integrated and optimized Arkeia Network Backup v9 software delivers advanced Progressive Deduplication, integrated bare-metal disaster recovery, and out-of-the-box support for VMware vSphere virtual environments. The new line of table-top and rack-mounted appliances drives down the cost and complexity of deploying backup infrastructure.
 
New Appliance Capabilities

• Increased backup storage. Usable internal disk capacities from 1TB to 20TB allow more backup sets to be retained on-site for faster data recovery. The appliances employ RAID-1 and RAID-6 for secure storage of deduplicated data. Deduplication delivers effective storage that is many times the capacity of internal drives.
• Faster connectivity. Upgraded network connectivity (10Gbps LAN and 8Gbps FC SAN) permits faster backups and shorter backup windows. Tape device and tape library direct interfaces include eSATA, FC, SAS, and SCSI.
• Higher-capacity tape drives. Internal LTO-4 drives simplify off-site storage for organizations that don’t have data volumes that require a tape library. The appliance integrates backup-to-disk and archive-to-tape operations.
• Integrated SSD. SSDs shorten backup windows by accelerating updates to the backup catalog. SSD is a storage target for managing the backup catalog’s random access workloads. Lower-cost, sequential-access hard drives are for storing backup sets.
• Integrated vSphere protection. Arkeia Network Backup protects both physical and virtual platforms, including VMware’s vSphere, Microsoft’s Hyper-V, Citrix’s XenServer, and Red Hat’s RHEV. VMware’s VDDK libraries are bundled with the appliance software, allowing vSphere to be protected via the vStorage APIs for Data Protection (VADP).
• Deduplication. Arkeia’s Progressive Deduplication provides any combination of source- and target-side data deduplication. Deduplication accelerates backups by reducing the volume of data transmitted over networks and permits longer backup retention periods with the same disk storage.
• Cloud for off-site storage. The appliances deliver two solutions for off-site storage of backup sets: tape and cloud. The appliances support backup set replication to both private and public clouds, including Amazon S3.

Arkeia Appliance Strategy
Arkeia designs and delivers both appliances and virtual appliances for data protection. Appliances drive down the costs of deploying data protection solutions by permitting organizations to avoid the complexity of software deployment and to enjoy one true support vendor and only one support contract. Appliances also minimize the ongoing costs of management and software updates.
 
"Arkeia appliances are engineered around Arkeia’s flagship network backup software, the award-winning Arkeia Network Backup," explains Bill Evans, CEO of Arkeia Software. "Our engineers tune the integration of hardware and software to make the backup solution easy to deploy, painless to manage, and highly reliable. Since their initial introduction in 2007, Arkeia appliances have protected the data of tens of thousands of servers worldwide."
 
Enterprise-Class Components
Arkeia hardware is enterprise class, providing flash-based firmware, enterprise-class disk drives, and quality chassis and power supplies. Three appliance models have field-expandable disk capacity; two offer optional LTO-4 tape drives; two include dual, redundant power supplies. First-tier technical support is available from Arkeia to ensure that our customers are successful and their data is protected.
 
Availability and Pricing
Three third generation Arkeia appliances models 120, 220, and 320 are available. All bundle Arkeia Network Backup and agent software for up to 60 client machines. Pricing begins at €2,500 (vat net). Model 620 will be available in Q4 2011.