Overland Neo LXN2000
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Overland Neo LXN2000

A frontrunner in the enterprise library market.

Price: £13679.35
Manufacturer: Overland



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Verdict
Pros:

Modular; hot-swappable; optional Fibre Channel interface.
Cons: Single power supply per module; no support for AIT.


Alexander Arias, PC Magazine 21 Aug 2002

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The latest addition to Overland's Neo range of modular tape libraries supports both Quantum SDLT and LTO Ultrium technologies.

Capacity depends on the drives specified, but can be as high as 24TB (uncompressed) which, with hot-swappable drives, controllers and robotics, puts the LXN2000 firmly into enterprise network territory.

Moreover, its modular format and flexible configuration enable it to be used for a range of back-up applications.

Each building block Neo module comes with an integrated barcode reader and can be fitted with one or two drives, with a choice of Quantum DLT 8000, SDLT 220 or Seagate Viper if specifying LTO Ultrium. Magazine capacity varies depending on the drives used.

Performance also depends on the tape technology and, although SCSI is the default host interface, the Neo can also be fitted with an optional Fibre Channel card (£3,100 ex. VAT) for connection to a storage area network. This supports the latest 2Gbit/s Fibre Channel technology, plus serverless back ups when used with software supporting this option.

Using its own well established robotics technology, now in its third generation, up to eight Neo modules can be linked to form a single rack-mounted library.

Bolting the necessary hardware together can be complicated, but installation is usually included in the cost. There should be no issues with operating system or back-up application compatibility either, and as well as a local touchscreen LCD panel there's support for remote management via SNMP and a browser using built-in Web TLC software.

Scaleability is the key selling point with the Neo. On the downside, though, the single power supply in each module could be an issue, plus there's no support for Sony AIT technology here.

Service includes a three-year replacement warranty and a guarantee from Overland of 99 per cent up-time with no loss of data. Of course, we can't test these claims, but there appears to be no shortage of corporate customers more than willing to believe what it says.

Price: From £11,642 (ex. VAT).

Specifications:
Supported drives: DLT, SDLT, LTO
Drives/library: Two/eight cartridge slots/module 30 (LTO), 26 (DLT/SDLT)
Maximum capacity/module: 3TB (LTO), 2.89TB, (SDLT) uncompressed
Maximum transfer rate: 922GB/hr (16 x LTO drives), 633.6GB/hr (16 x SDLT drives) all uncompressed
Host interfaces: LVD/SE SCSI, HVD Ultra Wide SCSI, optional Fibre Channel adapter
Form factor: Tabletop or rack mount.

Contact: Overland 0118 989 8000
www.overlanddata.com

See also:

NeoThe Neo 4000 tape library is now more expandable and can run SDLT 320 drives, making it an attractive mid-range option  10 Oct 2002
Sony AIT260iA tape drive based on Sony's Advanced Intelligent Tape format.  13 Jun 2002

All Back-up Storage

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