FalconStor will release version 3 of its VTL (virtual tape library) software later this month, and I couldn’t resist an early
peek. You may have already seen VTL, though likely behind OEM camouflage: This flexible backup solution was adopted on many
vendors’ hardware, including the Maxxan switches we reviewed last year.
Version 3 expands VTL’s already extensive interoperability matrix, works with just about any disk array or tape library, and
supports all major backup applications. Instead of buying a prepackaged solution, you can also license VTL for your existing
hardware and quickly attain faster and more manageable backups with minimal changes to existing procedures.
VTL 3 also introduces the ability to connect a virtual tape to hosts that are not media servers, a setup achieved with a few
easy steps on the VTL console and installation of an agent on each host. This saves money on software licenses and makes for
more granular and targeted backups. Creating a similar configuration with a real tape library — even if possible — would be
much more disruptive.
Another intriguing new feature goes beyond the traditional backup paradigm by creating mirror images of server disks that
application-aware host agents keep constantly up-to-date. The most exciting benefit of this continuous data-protection scheme
is the nearly unrestricted number of restore points, compared to the scarce few available with traditional backups.
Finally, if you have spare iSCSI bandwidth and a datacenter serving multiple IT teams, VTL 3 will let single heterogeneous
servers initiate their own backups and restores while maintaining centralized policies and administration on the VTL. If running
backups is getting the best of you, don’t miss FalconStor VTL 3.
Virtual Tape Library 3
falconstor.com
Cost: Starts at $10,000 (bundled with an appliance)
Available: Late April
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