Sun Microsystems announced the latest additions to its open archive portfolio, adding a scalable, energy-conscious midrange modular library and fourth-generation fast-access tape drive. In addition, Sun introduced enhancements to archive data security and release of a multi-tiered archive appliance that will work heterogeneously with Solaris 10 Operating System and other leading operating systems. Sun also recently announced that is has donated the source code for the Sun StorageTek 5800 system, formerly known as "Project Honeycomb," to open source communities.

The new energy-conscious Sun StorageTek SL3000 is the world's first midrange library to deliver enterprise-class availability and features like non-disruptive capacity and performance scalability. In addition, the new technology allows for multiple partitioning options to consolidate existing library assets and offers support for open systems and mainframe environments. The feature-rich SL3000 delivers best-in-class power consumption and density.

"Sun's extensive portfolio of innovative, scalable, open archive solutions change the economic equation for companies that need to manage their IT bottom lines - despite exponential data growth and ever-expanding retention periods," said Jon Benson, senior vice-president of Storage, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "As the most open storage vendor on the planet, Sun is committed to delivering archive solutions that leverage open source software and to using open formats and APIs that both 'future-proof' customers against costly technology changes down the road and blow the lid off of competing high-margin proprietary offerings."

Archive is one of the fastest growing segments of the storage market, fueled by an explosion in unstructured data growth, longer data retention periods, organizations leveraging digital assets for business growth, regulatory compliance, and overall storage optimization needs. Today's announcement is the latest in Sun's efforts to bring the design innovation of enterprise archive to the network economy, giving customers smarter choices in managing exponential data growth for 'forever' retention periods with systems that can scale to petabytes and provide the ability to efficiently search for content across different types of data.

The foremost authority on genealogy, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints looks to Sun for next-generation archive solutions. "FamilySearch.org, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is engaged in a significant archiving project to preserve and protect genealogical records for hundreds of years. Sun's experience, expertise and innovation in massive storage technology make them a perfect strategic partner," said Jay Verkler, Managing Director of the Family History Department.