NetApp is repackaging Topio's borged flagship data replication software into something a little more Flash Gordon.

Topio's Data Protection Suite has now become NetApp ReplicatorX. Beware, defenders of earth!

Data Protection Suite-cum-ReplicatorX lets customers continuously replicate block data from any storage system to any other storage system, such as EMC, HDS, HP, IBM, or NetApp gear.

NetApp announced its $160m acquisition of Topio in November.

The metamorphosis is largely superficial, although ReplicatorX offers a couple new features. According to NetApp Sr. Marketing Manager Subra Mohan, it's "primarily a re-branding exercise."

The release includes improved management tools for multi-site replication, better use of bandwidth and simplified recovery using clock synchronization.

The company appears to be holding major changes to the software for a later date. NetApp would not comment on if it had future plans to push closer integration between ReplicatorX and the company's own operating system, OnTap and other NetApp software.

"We will have more to say around our strategy in the summer time-frame," Mohan said.

ReplicatorX is available now for $50,000 per TB of replicated data. ®

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• NetApp offers de-dupes with less hoops (15 May 2007)
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• NetApp punts $160m for Topio (8 November 2006)