One of the challenges that IT managers face today is how to attach or connect a SCSI tape library or other SCSI storage into shared addressable storage devices across an Ethernet IP-based network. One technology that allows this to happen is iSCSI. iSCSI stands for internet SCSI and allows you to use the majority of your existing infrastructure rather then purchasing new infrastructure (cables, computers, storage, etc.).

Starting from left to right in the above topology, the ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) provide the backup software that will reside on the server. This server will need to be equipped with an iSCSI Network Interface Card (NIC). The server will be attached through a Gigabit Ethernet (iSCSI) connection to a Gigabit Ethernet Switch. Data will be backed up from the iSCSI Disk storage through the Gigabit Ethernet Switch (utilizing the ISV software on the server). At this point the data is still iSCSI requiring an ATTO iPBridge to convert the Data to the SCSI protocol for storage on the ATTO Diamond Array (using the SCSI Host Interface Cards (HICs) or any SCSI storage (disk, tape, MO, etc).

The ATTO Diamond Storage Array and the ATTO iPBridge 2500 have been certified and tested with all leading ISV and hardware providers.

ATTO iPBridge products are Gigabit Ethernet (GbE)-to-SCSI bridge products that offer organizations an affordable opportunity to transform SCSI storage devices into network enabled addressable devices. The iPBridge is unique in its support of both the NDMP (2500 and 2700 only) and iSCSI protocols offering distinctive opportunities and benefits when implementing IP SANs.