Backup/Recovery Service provides online solution for SMBs.

Press Release Summary:



Offered as enterprise-class service for SMBs, remote offices, and branch offices, DataGuard Vault(TM) automatically secures files and transfers them off-site to class-one data center through Internet or private network connection. It features agentless architecture and provides 24/7 option for data storage backup and recovery, with 24/7/365 proactive network monitoring, facility monitoring, facility access, video surveillance, and security capabilities.



Original Press Release:



Imation Introduces DataGuard Vault(TM) Online Backup and Recovery Service



Provides convenient and secure remote enterprise-class data storage to help small- to medium-sized businesses protect critical data

OAKDALE, Minn., June 18 - With more than 50 years of leadership in data storage, Imation Corp. (NYSE:IMN), today announced the DataGuard Vault(TM) online backup and recovery service - a nationwide enterprise-class service for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and remote offices and branch offices (ROBOs). DataGuard Vault online backup and recovery service automatically secures files and transfers them off-site to a class-one data center through the Internet or private network connection - providing SMBs and ROBOs with an efficient, cost-effective, 24x7 option for data storage backup and recovery, backed by a dependable 24x7x365 support team.

"To ensure that their data is securely backed up, stored offsite and quickly recovered, SMBs may invest in expensive equipment and software, staff to manage the process and additional offsite services," said James Milligan, general manager, Commercial and OEM Division, Imation. "Unfortunately, many SMBs simply don't - or can't - implement appropriate data backup and protection processes, which are critical to ensuring an SMB's business continuity. Similarly, large organizations have high-end backup processes for their headquarter locations, but their field employees or individual retail stores may not have as robust backup solutions for this critical data. Imation's DataGuard Vault online backup and recovery service gives both types of organizations an easy and affordable option to ensure that their company's data is always backed up and fully recoverable."

The newest in a line of data protection offerings from Imation, such as the Imation DataGuard rf(TM) tape tracking system and StorSentry(TM) data integrity protection software, Imation DataGuard Vault online backup and recovery service includes the following features:

- Class-One Data Centers: Highly-secure, nationwide data centers that meet stringent criteria, including:
- Telecommunications available from all major carriers to ensure there are no outages.
- Operated and staffed on-site 24x7x365 by Network Operations Center (NOC) engineers and DataGuard Vault online backup and recovery service technical personnel.
- 24x7x365 proactive network monitoring, facility monitoring, facility access, video surveillance and security.
- Replication in distant locations.
- One-week back-up power supply capacity.
- Temperature and humidity controlled; fire suppression system.
- Agentless Architecture: One machine can run the backup/restore software for an entire network, eliminating the need to install and update the software on every computer.
- Bare Metal Restore: In the event of a computer failure or theft, data can be completely restored to new hardware.
- "Local Restore" Option: A snapshot of all data backed up to the vault can also be stored on the local network - great for customers who frequently need to restore certain types of data, such as financial data or email.
- Disaster Recovery: Customers can retrieve their data from the distant data center in a variety of methods:
- Imation can send the customer's data on media for restoring.
- A customer can utilize a virtual private network (VPN) to access the vault and begin restoring.
- The customer can physically come to the data center and use one of the disaster recovery suites.
- Dependable Support: 24x7x365 support from a team with backup and recovery storage integration experience and a variety of technical qualifications and certifications. Additional utilities allow customers to perform "fire drills" to practice the backup and recovery processes so they are more comfortable should a real situation occur.

"Many small businesses today face similar large business challenges when it comes to backup, data retention and disaster recovery. Frequently without the expertise of an IT staff, small businesses need a backup and data protection plan that is easy to administer with products and services that are easy to use on an on-going basis," said Greg Schulz, founder and senior analyst, The StorageIO Group. "Distance is critical to protecting data in the event of a local or regional disaster. With remote online backup and recovery services, businesses insure that their critical information is safely stored and accessible at a protected off-site facility. When you combine a trusted name like Imation, which is synonymous with storing data, with secure class-one data centers, high-quality software and solid 24x7x365 support, customers should feel confident that their information is safe with the DataGuard Vault online backup and recovery service - using it either as a standalone service or in conjunction with their entry-level tape or removable hard disk drive products."

How the Imation DataGuard Vault Online Backup and Recovery Service Works

Imation's DataGuard Vault online backup and recovery service serves as a data recovery and data business continuity plan.

The software resides on the customer's network, behind their firewall. There, data is compressed and encrypted before it is electronically sent to the off-site vault. The customer owns a unique encryption key - ensuring anyone outside of the organization will not be able to decrypt and read the data. The data remains encrypted and compressed in flight and at rest on the vault - providing the perfect combination of high security and cost savings.

After an initial backup is performed, the service provides continuous data protection (CDP) or event-based real-time backup of changed data to virtually eliminate the possibility of data loss. Plus, it features deduplication technology, recognizing where data is duplicated across the network and sending only one copy to the server - saving space on the server and money for the business owner.

Data is transferred to class-one data centers, which have distant replication sites, and both feature 24x7x365 proactive network monitoring, vault monitoring, facility access and video surveillance. Disaster recovery suites are also available for full disaster recovery support.

Imation DataGuard Vault online backup and recovery service is now available in the U.S. based on a monthly per gigabyte (GB) fee. An additional data center will be available in the Midwest this summer, with five more data centers available within the next year. For more information, check out www.imation.com/products/dataguard_vault/.

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 www.imation.com/ or by calling 1-888-466-3456.

Imation, the Imation logo, DataGuard rf, DataGuard Vault, Memorex and 'Is it live or is it Memorex?' are trademarks of Imation Corp and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Mary Rawlings-Taylor of Imation Corp., +1-651-704-6796, mjrawlings-taylor@imation.com; Martine Larson of Fleishman-Hillard, +1-612-573-3146, martine.larson@fleishman.com, for Imation Corp.

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