Siegen. Version 1.3 of PoINT Storage Manager for storage virtualization, migration, HSM, network wide back up of data and long-term archival is available from now on. With this new release, the universal software product also supports Windows Server 2003 x64 and Windows Server 2008 x64. The particular strength of this new management solution is the comprehensive support of all storage technologies in combination with the innovative file systems interface PoINT Virtual File System. PoINT Storage Manager virtualizes the various connected storage devices. This way, it offers a common, transparent access for users and applications to the existing systems. This concept supports both safe storage and administration of all the data in a heterogeneous storage environment – up to long-term archival.

For the first time ever, PoINT Software & Systems presented their PoINT Storage Manager to public on this year’s CeBIT. The product supports both file systems and appliances (e.g. NetApp) and offers network wide HSM functionalities by the well known PoINT Tiered Archive Files Systems (“PoINT TAFS”). The different technologies (hard disk, tape, optical) in the forms of single drive, autoloader, jukebox or appliance are optimally integrated and virtualized according to their technical characteristics. The storage systems are integrated via the PoINT Virtual File Systems (“PoINT VFS”) and via agents. However, PoINT Storage Manager only occupies the respectively required disk space of the physical storage, so that storage capacities are no longer blocked due to wrong partitioning.

Primary hard disk systems can be relieved and files can be purged to an additional tier. This HSM functionality offers the possibility to leave active data on the fast hard disk systems, to move inactive data to cheaper mass storage like tape and to replace same by a link.

Business critical data, which companies have to store securely in order to be compliant, is more and more stored on normal hard disk or on specialized hard disk appliances. PoINT Storage Manager offers the possibility to additionally protect those files inexpensively on alternative storage technologies.

Another main characteristic of PoINT Storage Manager is its integrated migration function. Sooner or later, every company has to migrate data from obsolete storage systems to state-of-the-art ones. Of course, this should take place smoothly and without interrupting the application. PoINT Storage Manager meets those requirements by the innovative PoINT VFS interface. Existing storage systems are integrated in the way that subsisting applications can use them without changes. The Users define via rules what data has to be migrated and even if or how long respectively the storage system to be removed shall stay in use. Migrations are carried out automated in the background and without affecting the applications.