NSI Does A Data Double-Take

The software performs server failover in conjunction with data replication, providing high availability of Exchange mailboxes and services so users experience little or no interruption in service even if an Exchange server fails.

The software uses byte-level replication rather than block- or file-level replication. That ensures the server maintains exact copies of data with a high level of data integrity. The product is IP-based so data can be sent across any type of network, whether it is a local network, uses Fibre Channel technology, or is very high latency or low bandwidth.

The software is hardware-agnostic and also works seamlessly with most applications. Applications as varied as Oracle, Exchange, and SQL can all benefit from the software's failover capability. Installation is not performed in a traditional client/server method. The NSI client is simply a management console for the server-based software, which actually sends and receives data.

CRN Test Center engineers set up a network made up of three servers, one of which acted as the central repository for the other servers in the network. Double-Take was installed on the central server to keep local copies of all data on the second server in the network. Using the management console, the data was moved offsite to the third server where it was backed up to tape.

The benefit of this three-server setup is that IT administrators can constantly replicate data in realtime. This method minimizes CPU utilization and can also easily replicate open files, even if users are in the process of making modifications to data. The software requires no agents, and since small amounts of data are updated over a long period of time, spikes and bandwidth-usage bursts are almost completely eliminated. These spikes and bursts are a common problem when using tape backups, since tape drives use a large amount of network resources to pull and replicate all information at once.

Double-Take for Windows Advanced Server Edition is priced economically at $4,495 per server, so companies can begin data protection affordably and quickly. The software is also tightly integrated with Microsoft products, including Active Directory and many features of the Server 2003 and Storage Server product families.

The NSI Xcelerate Program consists of three tiers: distributors, Platinum partners and Gold partners. Partners are differentiated based on annual revenue commitment to NSI. Platinum partners commit to $500,000 in annual sales and Gold partners commit to $100,000. Both Platinum and Gold partners have access to pre- and post-sales support, training and marketing resources through the NSI Xcelerate Partner Program Web site.

In addition, Platinum partners are eligible to receive additional discounts and can qualify for MDF if quarterly revenue goals are achieved. Platinum partners buy directly from NSI at a discount, while Gold partners buy through distributors. Average solution provider margins are 15 percent to 20 percent.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>Double-Take 4.4

COMPANY: NSI Software
Hoboken, N.J.
(201) 656-2121
www.nsisoftware.com
DISTRIBUTORS: BellMicro, Comstor
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

Note: Recommended status is earned with a score of eight stars out of 10