Tandberg Commits To Tape Technology
Tandberg Commits To Tape Technology
January 9, 2007: Tandberg Data today announced the completion of its Exabyte acquisition by securing the strategically important VXA Packet Technology.
VXA Packet technology differs from other tape technologies in the way data is written and read, making it more like the Internet than standard tape. Rather than writing data in continuous, pre-defined linear tracks, it is written in ‘addressible packets’ along the tape, thus offering greater flexibility in data atransfer rates, while improving reliability and error recovery.
Tandberg Data’s CEO Gudmundur Einarsson says, "Our engineers thoroughly evaluated VXA Packet Technology, and we clearly recognized the benefits and value of the VXA platform as well as its potential in the worldwide SMB market. It was a significant factor in our decision to acquire Exabyte," "With greater global reach, a stronger U.S. channel, and a product portfolio that now includes VXA drives and automation, Tandberg Data is well positioned to provide customers and partners even greater value."
VXA 4th generation road map
Tandberg has addressed the all-important question about the VXA product road map. It says planning and development of the fourth generation of VXA Packet Technology has been ongoing since the release of VXA-320. Product development is fully funded in the company's 2007 budget, which includes additional engineering resources from Oslo, Norway to support operations in Boulder, Colorado.
The roadmap states fourth-generation VXA products will double performance to a data capacity of 320/640 GB (native/compressed) and a data transfer rate of 24/48 MB per second. Tandberg has also integrated the VXA-2, VXA-172 and VXA-320 into its tape drive and tape automation product portfolio.
"Our next-generation VXA products are on schedule for release in the second half of 2008," said Tandberg COO Tom Ward, former president and CEO of Exabyte.
"This is well within our planned window and matches the timeframe our OEM customers will be ready for VXA's next step up in capacity and speed."
"The VXA Alliance demonstrates the broad industry support that exists for VXA Packet Technology," said James Milligan, General Manager, Imation Commercial/OEM Division for the Americas. "As a proud member of the alliance, we look forward to working with Tandberg Data to continue the momentum for VXA through coordinated activities and programs that showcase the unique benefits of VXA Packet Technology for SMB companies."
Members of the VXA Alliance include EMC, Fujitsu-Siemens, CA, Panasonic, Symantec and Sony.