eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Imation, a consumer-oriented data storage device maker that has been expanding into the enterprise space in recent years, revealed Aug. 29 that it has bought several assets of now-defunct ProStor Systems-including its InfiniVault backup system for large data sets.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Oakdale, Minn.-based company said it will retain 15 employees of the Boulder, Colo.-based ProStor on its staff.
This marks the second acquisition of ProStor intellectual property. May 12, Tandberg Data acquired ProStor Systems’ RDX removable disk storage business to augment its own RDX division. Imation, which partners with Dell in this sector, and Quantum are the two other major RDX storage vendors.
An RDX system combines key elements of hard-disk storage, including random-access performance, high reliability and rapid capacity growth, with the backup and portability benefits of tape, all in a removable cartridge.
ProStor’s InfiniVault combines multiple media options, including fixed RAID disk and RDX removable hard disk drives, in a single storage environment to retrieve, retain, protect and archive digital content. Imation sees this as a strategic addition to its growing secure and scalable storage portfolio for enterprises.
As part of the acquisition, Imation will continue to support and grow its relationship with existing InfiniVault customers as well as key VARs and distributors, the company said.
“Imation acquired the InfiniVault technology and product line because we recognize the need to add a compelling tiered storage architecture to our existing portfolio of backup and archiving products,” said Imation CEO and President Mark Lucas.
InfiniVault includes data protection, continuous data access, security and retention management throughout the data’s extended lifespan. The system is available through a national network of channel partners and value-added distributors, including Carahsoft Technology, Cranel Imaging, JB&A Distribution, NewWave Technologies, Promark Technology, Rorke Data and Storageflex.
ProStor Systems was the inventor and original developer of RDX removable disk IT and the only vendor to offer a multitiered storage system based on RDX, but it ran into financial difficulties a few years ago and was forced to sell off its assets.
Imation makes various data storage products, including recordable optical media products (such as CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray recordable media) used primarily for recording high-definition video content. It also makes magnetic tape products, such as data storage tape media, audio and video tape products, and floppy diskettes.