Continuous Data Protection Goes Retail

IBM on Friday announced plans to make its continuous data protection (CDP) software available through online retailers.

The move will give CDP technology exposure to a broader market making it more accessible to small businesses.

IBM's agreement with Digital River will make Tivoli Continuous Data Protection for Files available for online purchase and download through the Digital River oneNetwork marketplace, which includes online retailers such as OfficeMax, Staples and Circuit City.

IBM's software, also available through download on ibm.com and through other sales channels, costs $35 per laptop or desktop PC.

Big Blue calls Tivoli CDP for Files a "real-time data safety net" that provides PC users and small businesses with continuous backup for information on laptops and desktops. Since every version of a file is saved continuously, digitally stored information, music and photos are protected from viruses, file corruption or accidental deletion.

IBM says the software gives individuals and small businesses such as home offices, medical offices and retail shops a level of data protection they otherwise wouldn't have.

Big Blue says the easily installed software captures and saves information continuously and also sends an encrypted copy of the information to a remote location, such as a USB drive, within milliseconds. Users can then restore files that have been corrupted or accidentally deleted back to any point in time.

Users can back up their files to any medium they choose, such as another machine, a USB key ring, an external hard drive, a network or an online service.

Adapted from enterprisestorageforum.com.com/.