Scalar library offers upgrade path

Library spec at autoloader price

ADIC is launching a tape library which it claims plugs a gap in its portfolio and opens up the market for the channel.

The firm, which already has one-drive autoloaders and the higher-end Scaler library family, said the Scalar 24 is in a new position in the market. The 4U rack-mounted tape library can store up to 6.7 terabytes of data on up to 24 Super Digital Linear Tape or Linear Tape Open tapes.

"It has a library spec, but at an autoloader price," said Steve Mackey, sales director at ADIC. "It is an entry-level product for customers who want a library, and an upgrade for customers who have an autoloader."

Mackey said the product was head-to-head with Quantum's M1500 and Overland's Neo 2000, but the Scalar 24 has a very different upgrade path. "We have a guaranteed trade-in upgrade path, so if users buy the 24 and need to scale up they can get the (Scalar) 100 at no extra cost. The Scalar 24 is like a down payment for the Scalar 100," he said.

Mackey added this would help to open the market up for VARs and to establish a relationship for the upgrades.

Robert Amatruda, research manager at IDC, said the tape library offers a good-value proposition.