Sony Electronics today introduced an external Advanced Intelligent Tape™ (AIT) drive that features both Hi-Speed USB and i.LINK®/FireWire® (IEEE 1394) connectors for plug-and-play connectivity with most PCs and Macintosh® computers, as well as an internal ATAPI version for use in entry-level servers and workstations.

With maximum compressed capacities from 91 to 130 gigabytes (GB) and maximum native data transfer rates from 4 to 6 megabytes (MB) per second, Sony's new StorStation® AIT drives are equipped to handle high-capacity data protection and archival duties for mobile computers, desktop PCs, workstations, and small-to-midsize servers.

The new external StorStation AIT-1 drive (model AITe90-UL) can be easily connected via the USB or i.LINK/FireWire port, and can be moved and shared among notebooks, desktop PCs, Mac computers, servers or workstations as needed.

The internal ATAPI models (AITi90-A/S and AITi130-A/S) of the new drives can be simply integrated into servers or workstations through the ATAPI interface, eliminating the need for costly SCSI cards.

"Small businesses and personal business users do not escape the need for reliable and sophisticated data backup and protection. Yet their unique requirements necessitate a storage system that's affordable and easy to use with simple plug-and-play operation and large capacity to handle vast amounts of data with minimal effort," said Steve Baker, vice president of the Tape Storage Solutions division for Sony Electronics' Business Solutions and Systems Company. "Our new USB/i.LINK and ATAPI AIT drives open the door for small to midsize business users to backup and protect their largest system files, personal files, and business critical data."

"Market potential for tape drives with dual connectivity is on the increase, being driven by small businesses who desire data protection solutions with plug-and-play simplicity," said Fara Yale, chief analyst, Computer Storage Service, Gartner Dataquest. "Whether they're working with graphic and video files or performing a routine server backup, users want a system that makes it easy to store and restore."

For simple and fast file protection, drag-and-drop restores, and quick restore access to all files with powerful file-management capabilities, Sony's new external AITe90-UL drive will include a complimentary copy of 1Vision Software Inc.'s 1Safe™ backup software for Windows.

In order to support the transition from DDS to AIT, all of the new StorStation AIT drives are shipping with a free copy of NovaStor Corporation's TapeCopy tape conversion and duplication software, allowing users of DDS, as well as virtually any tape format, to easily upgrade and duplicate their data to the Sony AIT format.

Like all Sony AIT drives, these new models have backward read/write compatibility with all current generations of AIT media for long-term investment protection and flexibility.

Specifications

Sony AITe90-UL Drive: To suit the multi-purpose needs of a small office or home office, the AITe90-UL drive is based on Sony's AIT-1 technology. It has a compact form-factor and features a compressed capacity of up to 91 GB, and a native data transfer rate of up to 4MB per second. This drive comes with both a USB and i.LINK/FireWire cable, as well as one AIT-1 data cartridge. It also includes a complimentary copy of 1Vision Software Inc.'s 1Safe backup software for Windows and a copy of NovaStor Corporation's TapeCopy software.

Sony AITi90-A/S Drive: The AITi90-A/S drive features the same specifications as the AITe90-UL drive, but is an internal model that can be integrated via an ATAPI interface into a desktop, server or workstation. The drive includes a complimentary copy of NovaStor Corporation's TapeCopy software.

Sony AITi130-A/S Drive: Targeted at both small and midsize businesses, the AITi130-A/S drive is based on Sony's AIT-2 technology, and can be integrated via an ATAPI interface into a desktop, server or workstation. In a compact size, the drive features a compressed capacity of up to 130 GB and a native data transfer rate of up to 6MB per second. It also comes with a complimentary copy of NovaStor Corporation's TapeCopy software.