EMC, IBM highlight virtual tape technology

EMC and IBM are separately re-embracing virtual tape technology. The idea is to trick a server or network into thinking that disk storage is actually tape storage, which smoothes backup operations and helps to integrate legacy mainframes. EMC is doing this by acquiring Neartek for an undisclosed amount, which means EMC will probably phase out software from its current partner FalconStor. IBM's new software is the System Storage TS7700 Virtualization Engine, replacing its older TotalStorage Virtual Tape Server. However, IBM considers Sun Microsystems its main rival in this space.

For more on tape tech:
- read this Techworld article
- read this IDG News article

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