Imation Introduces RFID-Based Removable Data Storage Tracking System

OAKDALE, Minn., March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Imation Corp , a worldwide leader in removable data storage media, today announced the DataGuard rf(TM) Tape Tracking System, a first-of-its-kind data storage tracking system allowing data center managers to reliably and efficiently track the location of data cartridges within their inventory.

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At a time when sensitivities around misplaced data are at all-time highs, this ground-breaking solution increases the reliability of a company's tracking and inventory, and more efficiently manages overall storage processes in the face of increasing and challenging compliance requirements. Imation's comprehensive DataGuard rf tracking system utilizes specially designed RFID- enabled labels affixed to each tape cartridge allowing administrators to "check in" and "check out" each cartridge via entry and exit workstations. The cartridges -- or case of cartridges -- are then tracked via B&L Associates' VaultLedger or Vertices software. The DataGuard rf system provides extensive list and audit reporting capabilities, decreasing the amount of time data center personnel spend on managing tape libraries.

"The essential role of tape in the data center hasn't changed, but what has changed is the increasing pressure on data center managers, for reasons of compliance and governance, to be able to locate and retrieve data quickly," said James Milligan, general manager, Commercial/OEM Division, Imation. "Today's more stringent information security and financial compliance laws, as well as audit requirements, are driving organizations to examine their processes for managing these assets. In some cases, organizations are required to publicly disclose data loss or theft which often results in negative exposure."

"On average, an organization backs up multiple terabytes of data to tape every week, if not every day," said Dianne McAdam, director of enterprise information assurance, The Clipper Group. "Disaster recovery preparedness and compliance remain high priorities for IT, making the ability to track a tape cartridges' whereabouts even more important to data center managers. Imation's ground-breaking DataGuard rf tape tracking system will help ensure data centers are able to reliably account for their tape cartridges."

Imation's innovative DataGuard rf system is made up of unique components that work together to provide an unprecedented level of seamless tape tracking and management. The integrated system includes:

-- Imation Volser Labels with RFID Technology - Passive RFID tags coupled with specially printed volume-and-serial-number or "Volser" identification labels, securely applied to each tape cartridge in the data center. For maximum security, the data on Imation's innovative RFID-enabled Volser labels are encrypted and each DataGuard rf label is read by Imation's data center-based scan station. -- Imation DataGuard rf Scan Station - A custom designed scan station couples a reader with an antenna pad and resides within the tape processing area of the data center. The system reads each cartridge carrying an Imation Volser label with RFID and transfers the Volser number to tape management software. For additional flexibility, Imation's DataGuard rf Scan Station is able to read up to 20 cartridges held within a storage tray or through parent/child relationship capabilities built in to Imation's DataGuard(TM) Transport and Storage Case at the same time. -- Imation DataGuard rf Mobile Scanner - A sleek, portable hand-held scanner replicating all major functions of the Imation DataGuard rf Scan Station, including audits, library inventories and missing cartridge notification. The mobile scanner reads and logs Imation Volser labels with RFID-enabled media and syncs with a transportable docking station to upload the read tapes, providing users with more flexibility to work within the data center. The device is also programmable to locate misfiled or out-of-sequence cartridges via tape management software. -- "B&L's VaultLedger(R) or Vertices(R) Tape Management Software - Imation has partnered with the leader in innovative data center management solutions to offer data center customers two easy-to-use tape management solutions -- VaultLedger and Vertices. Both tape management solutions give data centers complete control over all the media in their organization with a single, easy-to-use application. The systems track media at data center storage sites, monitor usage and movements, create and automate rotation cycles, and virtually eliminate the risk of accidental erasure of important information. Additional options are available such as automatic input from enterprise backup solutions and automatic logging of reports from legacy environments. -- Imation DataGuard Transport and Storage Case - Developed by Imation to specifically work with the DataGuard rf system, this "terabyte-class" case was designed to protect high-capacity data storage tapes during transportation and tested to outperform other leading storage cases, with two- to four-times the shock protection of other cases. The DataGuard Transport and Storage Case offers interchangeable inserts that are slotted and cushioned to provide optimal protection and can easily be reconfigured when necessary, with a simple snap-in and snap- out of the unique inserts.

In addition, to upgrade existing data centers to enable the DataGuard rf system, Imation offers DataGuard rf Labeling Services to retrofit cartridges currently residing in data center tape libraries.

"Recognizing that data is an organization's most important asset, our solutions provide easy, efficient and secure management of your data so you know where the information you need is located," said Michael Kramer, vice president, Sales and Marketing, B&L Associates. "We are pleased to partner with Imation, with its long history of advancing enterprise data storage, to deliver the DataGuard rf system, the industry's first comprehensive tape tracking system."

In coming months, Imation also expects to introduce additional functionality for the DataGuard rf system, including AGPS (assisted global positioning system) enabling of the DataGuard Transport and Storage Case, which will allow users to track the location of cases using cellular and GPS technology.

Imation's DataGuard rf tape tracking system will be generally available in April 2007. For more information, go to http://www.imation.com/ .

About B&L Associates, Inc.

Since 1975, B&L Associates, Inc. has offered the most powerful, flexible and robust data center operations automation products and storage management solutions available for open and legacy environments. That's why industry- leading companies in 26 countries around the world like Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Citigroup, Credit Suisse and Qualcomm, to name a few, rely on B&L for their tape management needs. Additional information about B&L Associates is available at http://www.bandl.com/ , by calling 800-OKBANDL (800-652-2635), or through the product Web sites at http://www.vaultledger.com/ and http://www.vertices.net/ .

About Imation Corp

Imation Corp is the only company in the world solely focused on the development, manufacture and supply of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage. With more than 50 years of data storage leadership beginning with the development of the world's first computer tape, in 2006 Imation proudly marked its 10th anniversary as an independent company. In addition to the Imation brand, Imation Corp's global brand portfolio includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry, famous for the slogan, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" Additional information about Imation is available at http://www.imation.com/ or by calling 1-888-466- 3456.

Imation, the Imation logo, DataGuard rf, DataGuard, Memorex, and 'Is it live or is it Memorex?' are trademarks of Imation Corp and its subsidiaries. Vault

Ledger and Vertices are trademarks of B&L Associates, Inc. All other

trademarks are property of their respective owners.