Dell brings de-dupe to SMBs with upgraded PowerVault

Dell is to introduce an upgraded version of its PowerVault DL2100 backup appliance which adds data de-duplication capabilities, turning it into a single-box solution for disk-based backup of a small network.

Available from 10 March, the new PowerVault DL2100 is now powered by Symantec's latest Backup Exec 2010 software, which provides the de-dupe capability and thus saves on the volume of storage required to back up a network of PCs.

However, the device still keeps the ease of operation that Dell designed into the existing DL2100 to match the hand-holding capabilities of tape-based backup systems, according to Dell's senior product manager for storage, Brett Roscoe.

"All a customer has to do is run through a wizard interface to add the PowerVault to their local area network, and tell it which systems to protect. If you can run Windows, you can set it up yourself," he said.

The PowerVault can integrate with Microsoft Active Directory domain infrastructure, but does not require it. "We like to say that all you need is a power cord and a network cable," said Roscoe.

However, Dell will also offer on-site installation and configuration for customers that require it.

Dell's definition of a small business covers everything from a small home office to a firm with about 500 employees, and the PowerVault DL2100 is expected to gain most traction in the 50 to 500 employee space.

Because the DL2100 is disk-based, it can back up systems up to 50 per cent faster than the quickest tape system available, according to Dell. It also has one central management interface, with notifications to alert users to any drive failure.

The PowerVault's enclosure can fit up to six internal hard drives, supporting up to 6TB of storage space. With de-dupe capability and data compression reducing the space required for backups by 20:1, customers should be able to fit up to 120TB inside a single DL2100, Roscoe said.

This makes the DL2100 a single-box solution for many small customers, according to Dell, whereas a separate disk array enclosure was typically required in the past.

Customers still have the option of adding a separate MD1000 enclosure, which expands capacity up to 288TB of usable storage, so their backup capability can scale as their company grows, Roscoe said.

The PowerVault DL2100 powered by Symantec Backup Exec 2010 will be available from Dell and its PartnerDirect partners, with pricing starting at about £6,000 or about £7,000 with de-dupe enabled.