Quantum Corp. has added a new archive conversion feature to its StorNext data management software to simplify migration from legacy archive platforms.

StorNext’s new Archive Conversion Utility (ACU) is designed to reduce the expense and time it takes to move files from existing legacy archives to a StorNext solution. The first release of this conversion tool will support the conversion of data from Oracle/Sun’s SAM-FS and QFS software platform.

With the ACU, terabytes (TBs) or petabytes (PBs) of archived data located on tape media can be accessed within hours – instead of months – of initiating a data migration to StorNext.

Quantum’s innovative approach enables storage administrators to transfer only file system structure and metadata information about the associated data files to the StorNext Storage Manager file server.

Once the transfer completes, normally within a matter of hours, all non-StorNext files on original media can be accessed and modified from the StorNext File System. Administrators can control data movement over time from the legacy media to StorNext Storage Manager native media without disruption to the organisation’s business workflow operations. This approach provides complete flexibility on how quickly physical data migrates to the StorNext supported system.

Janae Lee, Quantum senior vice president, Disk and Software Products Group, said, “For enterprises that may feel locked into a limited file and archiving system, our new Archive Conversion Utility makes the migration process straightforward and fast, minimising the impact on ongoing operations."