Quantum Corp., a global provider of backup, recovery and archive, added Monday a new 320 gigabyte (GB) capacity point for its GoVault Data Protection solutions, doubling its previous capacity to offer a more cost-effective solution for small businesses and branch offices.

As the price/performance provider in the removable hard disk market, Quantum is extending the GoVault product line to a broader set of customers by increasing capacity options and significantly lowering the entry-level price point by up to 30 percent across the GoVault family.

The GoVault solution is a fast, simple and highly reliable disk-based, all-in-one storage platform. Its data protection software application for Windows utilizes a data de-duplication technology to reduce the number of cartridges required for backups of up to 20:1.

With this de-duplication technology and an expanded choice of capacity sizes ranging from 40 to 320 GB, the GoVault cartridge can hold exponentially more data than traditional, entry-level tape solutions and run backups up to 10 times faster. By only storing changes to files, the GoVault solution also enables backups to be completed in minutes instead of hours with transfer speeds up to 34 MB/s (megabytes-per-second).

Quantum of San Jose, California is a global storage company offering backup, recovery and archive. Combining focused expertise, customer-driven innovation, and platform independence, Quantum provides a comprehensive, integrated range of disk, tape, and software solutions. This includes the DXi-Series, its disk backup solution which extends the power of data de-duplication and replication across the distributed enterprise. Quantum works with a network of resellers, OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and other suppliers to meet customers' evolving data protection needs.

"Delivering twice the capacity over previous releases, the GoVault Data Protection Solution better addresses the unique needs of small businesses and branch offices in backing up mission-critical data," said Bruce Anderson, product manager, removable drives for Quantum. "Combining de-duplication, security features and a new 320 GB capacity point, the GoVault family provides customers with an extremely compelling and affordable data protection choice."

The GoVault Data Protection solutions offer small businesses and branch offices the speed, simplicity, reliability, security and affordability needed to back up and protect their important data. Its ruggedized, sealed hard disk cartridges can be removed for offsite data protection, withstand up to a one-meter drop on hard surfaces, and are designed to provide at least a 10-year shelf-life for archiving.

The GoVault solutions are also password protection and encryption feature ensures cartridges are secure for offsite transportation and disaster recovery. In addition to the new 320 GB capacity point, Quantum offers cartridges in 40 GB, 80 GB, 120 GB and 160 GB options prior to compression or data reduction. Docks are available in USB (universal serial bus) tabletop or SATA (Serial-ATA) internal versions, and all cartridges are interchangeable.

The GoVault Data Protection solutions are currently available through Quantum and its network of distribution partners, with street prices beginning at about US$ 250 for a complete solution. The new 320 GB removable cartridge has a street price under US$ 300.