HP StorageWorks DAT 160 SAS Tape Drive

Overview
Specifications
Q&A
Software

HP StorageWorks DAT 160 USB Tape Drive

Overview

Protect your small or medium sized business, remote office or workgroup with the HP StorageWorks DAT 160 USB Tape Drive offering the highest capacity and performance with the ability to store up to 160GB of compressed data on a single cartridge at speeds of up to 50GB/hr (assuming 2:1 data compression).
Low ongoing cost of ownership is provided through low-cost, durable DAT media and a two generation backward compatibility with DAT 72 and DAT 40 which delivers a seamless upgrade path from older drives.

The DAT 160 USB Tape Drive is available with a USB 2.0 interface for low-cost, universal plug-and-play connectivity in a choice of models including internal (which also fits in the 1U Rack-Mount kit) and external making it compatible with virtually any server environment.

It comes complete with data and cleaning cartridge, HP StorageWorks Data Protector Express Software Single Server Edition and its Bare Metal Disaster Recovery option (for single Windows, Linux or NetWare servers), and HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools (our comprehensive suite of tape drive management utilities). The HP extensive testing program also verifies that HP DAT drives are compatible with a wide range of servers, operating systems and backup software.

HP DAT drives have a track record of reliability. The largest installed base of any tape technology means that small and medium sized business customers can have dependable backup and restore.

Features & Benefits

Highest capacity and performance value in a DAT Tape Drive: HP StorageWorks DAT 160 USB Tape Drive protects your small or medium business with the highest DAT backup capacity available in a 160GB tape drive. It can store up to 160GB on a single cartridge, while backing up to 50GB/hr or one cartridge in 3 hours.
Cost effective, economical backup: As the most popular backup technology of all time, DAT provides investment protection through a proven track record of reliability and with two generation backwards compatibility with DAT 40 and DAT 72 tape drives.
Investment protection with reliable industry standard DDS technology: Low-cost backup solution and ongoing low-cost of ownership.
Native USB 2.0 interface for low-cost, universal plug-and-play connectivity: Native USB 2.0 interface for low-cost, universal plug-and-play connectivity.
Small, half-height form factor and choice of models: Flexibility to suit most environments, available as external or internal models to fit servers, workstations, and rack-mount kits.
Broad compatibility with a wide range of servers, operating systems, and backup software: Suits almost every operating environment (Visit http://www.hp.com/go/connect for latest information).
HP One Button Disaster Recovery (OBDR): Restores your entire ProLiant system at the touch of a button without the need for system disks or software CDs. (Visit http://www.hp.com/go/OBDR for latest information).
HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools: Helps make installation, management, and troubleshooting simple. (Visit http://www.hp.com/support/tapetools for latest information).
Complete solution with media and fully functional software in the box: Provides a complete, easy-to-use backup solution that includes DAT 160 media, cleaning cartridge, and HP StorageWorks Data Protector Express Software Single Server Edition, to allow users to protect their data without any additional purchases.

Product Specifications
Recording Technology	DAT 160
Compressed Capacity*	160GB
Sustained Transfer Rate*	49.3GB/hr
Buffer Size	16MB
Interface	USB 2.0
Form Factor	5.25 inch half-height
WORM Capability	Yes

* Note: Assuming 2:1 data compression

Questions & Anwsers

1. Is HP StorageWorks DAT 160 USB Tape Drive compatible with previous generations?

The DAT 160 USB Tape Drive still employs the same technology as previous DAT products. As such it keeps the two generation backward compatibility promise and can still read and write data to DAT 72 and DAT 40 (DDS-4) cartridges. It does this by recognizing the different tapes (wider DAT 160 and the narrower DAT 72/DDS-4).

2. Isn’t DAT 160 really an AIT or 8mm drive using 8mm tape media?

No, it is a DAT drive employing DDS technology and 8mm cartridges are not supported or recognized in a DAT 160 drive. It uses DAT 160 wide media, based on existing DDS-4 media. The footprint is the same, the height of the cartridge has been slightly increased by 0.42 cm. Increasing the height dimension only and retaining the same footprint allows for easier tape handling. DAT 160 wide media still delivers the low cost durability and reliability DAT users have come to expect.

3. Why does an industry standard tape format specification ultimately benefit customers?

Organizations can no longer afford to buy products that don’t work together, that aren’t reliable and readily available. The DDS tape format provides a framework in which customers can reap all the benefits of competition: more innovation in products, lower prices, and added value features. Multiple competing manufacturers for both drive and media assure supply and value. The industry standard specification ensures seamless media interchange between different drive manufacturers.

4. Why was the HP StorageWorks DAT 160 USB Tape Drive released at this time?

HP is committed to meeting the data protection needs of small or medium businesses (SMBs). DAT technology stands alone in delivering a balance of cost, performance and reliability. The DAT 72 has been the most popular DAT drive of all time and as such has met these needs for many years. The DAT 160 has now been launched in recognition that SMB requirements have increased. HP is already working on a DAT 320 product to meet future needs.

5. Isn't this really the end of the road for DAT?

No, we have invested significant development effort into this latest generation such that it enables a platform for future generations in line with the DAT roadmap www.datmgm.com. HP is already committed to developing a DAT 320 Tape Drive.

6. Where can I find more information on connectivity and compatibility?

For more information on any of the following: system and server compatibility with HP StorageWorks DAT 160 Tape Drives, OBDR, or Library and Tape Tools, etc. go to http://www.hp.com/go/connect.

7. Why should I choose DDS media and how long can I store the tapes and still recover the data when I need it?

HP branded media undergoes regular additional testing on a batch-by-batch basis to ensure consistent high quality. Other vendors test to the DDS media specification, but HP does not stop there. We also test extensively in the areas of shock, vibration, and durability. For more details, please consult the HP white paper, “Media Qualification and Testing — HP Does More” on the website: http://www.hp.com/go/storagemedia. Tests have shown that if DDS tapes are stored correctly, the data retention life is at least 10 years. It seems likely that the actual data retention life is considerably longer.

8. What is the difference between DDS and DAT, and can you use DAT tapes with DDS drives?

Digital Data Storage (DDS) is the format that was developed by HP and Sony to adapt the Digital Audio Tape technology for data storage, which requires much higher data integrity. The term “DAT” is now most commonly applied to the data storage device and often used interchangeably with DDS. Although DDS and DAT are based on similar helical scan formats, DAT audio media is not of sufficient quality for data storage. DDS tape drives will reject DAT audio tapes. HP StorageWorks DAT Tape Drives require media that carries either the DDS format logo, the DAT 72 or DAT 160 logo to show that it is of the quality necessary for computer data storage.

Software

HP Data Protector Express Single Server Edition and the HP Data Protector Express Bare Metal Disaster Recovery option

No other brand of tape drives and tape autoloaders includes as much useful software as the HP StorageWorks products. With the included software you can easily protect the data on a single server and protect the server itself.

The included software is HP Data Protector Express Single Server Edition. This is an easy to use backup application, based on Data Protector Express, which robustly protects a single Windows, Linux or NetWare server. As well as being easy to use, Data Protector Express Single Server Edition delivers powerful features such as a graphical scheduler, automatic device discovery and support of data encryption to an encryption capable tape drive. For more information about Data Protector Express Single Server Edition please visit: http://www.hp.com/go/dataprotectorexpress/sse .

Also included is the Data Protector Express Bare Metal Disaster Recovery (BMDR) option which makes possible automated system recovery of the server following a major hardware or software failure. The fastest method to recovery the server is to use the Data Protector Express BMDR option and the One Button Disaster Recovery feature of the HP StorageWorks tape drives.

To extend the protection delivered with Data Protector Express Single Server Edition to a network of servers and for on-line applications it is easy to upgrade to the full features of Data Protector Express. Registered Data Protector Express Single Server Edition users can economically purchase this upgrade by purchasing a special part number that gives a significant discount off the regular price of Data Protector Express - to recognize the value of the included software. For more information about upgrading Data Protector Express Single Server Edition to Data Protector Express please visit: http://www.hp.com/go/dataprotectorexpress/sse/upgrade.

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