How can Data Distribution Help you Save Money?
The concept of data distribution allows the Data Center Manager to facilitate the retirement of legacy hardware from the data center by accepting the data from the client in any format and distributing this data to their clients in a format that is acceptable to them. In the extreme case this may be 9-track (open reel tape) to 9-track keeping the format in EBCDIC, it may be electronically sent EBCDIC, or in most cases converted to an ASCII file on CD.
The data distribution concept can be applied to any tape media format, but predominantly the service is relevant for 9-track users, as this media is largely used for "distributing" data from company to client on a regular basis. Also because these users typically underutilize the hardware employed in the maintenance of this technology.
The net result is the client saves money on tape costs, maintenance costs, power costs, floor space costs, and often labor costs. By stacking the files onto the output media (i.e. CD), the client saves on media and freight costs. The client also then has a structure in place that could in the future be adopted for the earlier retirement of future legacy technology.
The ROI in using data distribution begins at day one. This is because there is no capital outlay, and the conversion costs added to media costs and freight costs are typically lower than the current cost structure for the media alone. To calculate your cost savings, please visit the Data Distribution ROI Chart.
When entering into these types of arrangements, be sure to take data security requirements into account. When others are handling your data and dealing with your customers or business partners you can never be too careful. Make sure the actual production data is never altered, access is limited (typically this would involve non-disclosure agreements as well as physical site security measures) and the company distributing your data carries themselves appropriately when interacting with your users.
Specializing in tape storage solutions and data management, eMag is sensitive to all of these requirements. If you would like further information our on capabilities, please visit the data distribution page.
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