M4 touts DLT tape library

M4 Data launched the MagFile tape library today, a data storage product which the company hopes will push it into the UK channel. MagFile uses Quantum drives, and is a mid-range DLTtape automated tape library that Surrey-based M4 hopes will increase its coverage with resellers. Each library module holds up to 20 cartridges, divided between two ten-cartridge magazines. The 7" high box has incremental scalability, and allows up to ten MagFile 20 modules to be linked together in the same cabinet to form a MagStak library storage system. All cartridges are removable and hold up to 35 GB of data each. The product has been developed at M4’s R&D outfit in Somerset, and is designed for future applications, including Network Attached Storage and Storage Area Networks. M4 currently has three main resellers in the UK - Phoenix Computers, DSM and Solid-State Solutions. It aims to double this number through MagFile, and also attract more smaller resellers to buy indirectly through these six. Duke Ebenezer, M4 CEO, said: "Most companies can’t predict what they will need next year, but MagFile is scalable, allowing for this. Companies can use the same hardware and add to what they already have." Ebenezer said there was 25 to 30 per cent growth predicted for the DLT library market. M4, which had sales of £19 million last year, will offer training as well as online sales tips and configuration guide to resellers. DLT accounts for 30 per cent of Quantum revenue. ®