Sun Previews Plans for Open Systems Tape Virtualization

Next Generation Enterprise Virtual Tape Library to Leverage the Solaris Operating System (OS) with Sun-Only Enhancements to FalconStor Solution: During his keynote today at the Sun Forum 2006 conference, Sun Microsystems Storage EVP David Yen unveiled the company's plans to deliver a virtual tape solution with enhanced functionality to meet the data protection needs of large enterprise customers. Sun also announced a joint development agreement with FalconStor Software which will provide Sun with exclusive features for its enterprise virtual tape library (VTL). The two companies are expanding their strategic relationship to fully address the enterprise with a complete family of Sun StorageTek virtual tape solutions. Sun's next generation virtual tape solution will capitalize on the strength of Sun's systems portfolio, including the Solaris Operating System (OS), to enable customers to streamline their backup processes with enhanced functionality around key requirements including high availability, disaster recovery and back-end physical tape integration and policy-based management. The new solution will also leverage assets created in the development of VSM Open and through joint collaboration with FalconStor. "Sun's systems approach to data management enables customers to derive maximum value from their data, while simplifying overall management. Our virtual tape capabilities for both the mainframe and open systems are core to that process," said David Yen, executive vice president, Storage Group, Sun Microsystems, "With the combination of our Sun Fire servers running the Solaris OS and our expanded collaboration with FalconStor, Sun will deliver enterprise class open systems virtual tape solutions that virtually no one in the market can match." "We are excited about the opportunity to work with Sun to further broaden the breadth and depth of their VTL solutions. The solutions will increasingly deliver improved operating efficiency and return on investment for Sun's largest and most demanding customers," said ReiJane Huai, Chief Executive Officer of FalconStor Software, Inc. "We look forward to jointly delivering advanced data management services that will improve the quality and service of backup/recovery." The Sun StorageTek Virtual Tape Library Enterprise (VTL Enterprise) appliance adds to a growing family of virtual tape solutions. StorageTek VTL Enterprise will be compatible with existing Sun VTL offerings, including the recently announced Sun StorageTek VTL Plus, helping to ensure investment protection and providing a clear upgrade path. More information on Sun's virtual tape family is available at its Web site.