HP Data Protector 8.1 released with SAP HANA integration

HP has announced the latest update to its Data Protector service, which focuses on data backup and integration with other storage and data protection products on the market.
The Data Protector 8.1 update was unveiled by the HP Autonomy division and touted as an “adaptive backup” tool that can be fine-tuned to businesses' requirements for how and where data can be stored.
HP said this would enable firms to move from the old method of "set and forget" data backup and instead allow more real-time operational decision-making on how and where data should be stored, and the policies that govern its access.
David Jones, general manager of Data Protection at HP Autonomy, said the update marked "the end of backup as we know it" by helping to "transform" how businesses manage their data.
Furthermore, the tool has been given a number of integration improvements, most notably with SAP HANA to provide a backup and recovery option for any data logs used in HANA, and offers the ability to return to the data sets at a specific point in time.
The Data Protector 8.1 tool also includes integration with other storage tools from HP, including StoreOnce and 3Par StoreServ to offer encryption and compression capabilities and better recovery support.
HP has also added integration with Microsoft Active Directory and VMware vCenter 5.5, and certification of both VMware vSphere 5.5 and vCloud Director 5.5. HP Data Protector 8.1 is expected to be available in January 2014, the firm said.
HP Autonomy also announced that it now has over 60,000 customers using the Data Protector, LiveVault and Connected Backup suite of tools. Notable firms referenced by HP Autonomy included DreamWorks Animation, Spar, Telefonica and UPS.
HP will be hoping this entices more firms to its offerings and proves it is making a success of the Autonomy division, despite ongoing controversy over accounting practices at the firm.