Disasters, human error, and business interruptions pose threats to mainframe operations and data in organizations of every size. Historically, providers of data backup and disaster recovery (D/R) solutions have concentrated on large customers with extensive budgets.
Fundamental Software, Inc. (FSI) offers data backup and
D/R services uniquely suited for customers who have deployed FLEX
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ES or FLEX
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ES Control Unit Behavior
( FLEXCUB ). FSI is the designer and inventor of the world’s most successful entry-level and midlevel plug-compatible mainframe. FSI therefore has the best insight into efficiently backing up mainframe data in a way that exploits the commodity server platform customers enjoy with its
FLEX
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ES and FLEXCUB software solutions.
Users of FLEX ■ ES and FLEXCUB have already learned to leverage inexpensive servers so that they get the same functions in their mainframe environments as they would with far more expensive hardware solutions from IBM and other vendors. FSI’s data backup and D/R services offer the same value, with expertise that only FSI can offer.
Current versions of FLEX ■ ES provide a backup service that can be used to store data for use in the event of a disaster.
FSI customers have embraced the tape emulation provided by their FLEX
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ES mainframe or FLEXCUB solution. They use
FakeTape capabilities to leverage the tape reading/writing capabilities of their mainframe operating system by switching to the much faster emulation of tape on disk that FakeTape provides.
FSI’s Secure Remote FakeTape improves on the processes already in place for tape backup from the mainframe operating system. It allows the file that holds emulated tape data to reside at FSI’s data storage facility, where it is safe from disaster that might befall a mainframe site. This is how it is implemented:
▶ When a FakeTape file is mounted for use on a FLEX ■ ES or FLEXCUB tape drive, the user can specify the network address of a server at the FSI D/R facility.
▶ Writes and reads to the tape drive are transparently satisfied over a secure encrypted connection to the FSI facility.
▶ The file is protected from a disaster at the user’s site because it resides at FSI’s facility.
▶ In the event of a disaster, customer “tapes” are ready to be read for restoration on the customer’s recovered system across the Internet to wherever it is located.
▶ Data remains protected through encryption while stored until ready for use. The customer controls the encryption keys.
FSI’s remote data backup and D/R facility offers satellite transmission and reception in addition to high-speed fiber
As another option, FSI can back up the encrypted FakeTape volumes to removable media. Media choices include digital linear tape, CD-ROM, and DVD. The image of the
FakeTape on the removable media remains encrypted, and only the customer has the keys. The media can be stored at
FSI’s data storage facility or shipped to another site.

FSI offers two options for D/R services at FSI’s facility.
In this option, a dedicated recovery server for the subscribed customer is housed in a reserved rack at FSI.
The server is “ready to go,” meaning that it has already been configured according to the subscribed customer’s requirements. In a disaster or D/R test, the server can be used remotely by the customer, exploiting the inherent remote operation capabilities of FLEX
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ES . In the event of a disaster–or for any other reason–the server can be shipped quickly to the customer.
Upon declaration of a disaster–or for a D/R test–the customer’s backups on-site at FSI are made available within
FSI’s facility to a server from the on-demand pool. The customer can then IPL and recover their system as appropriate using the on-site data.
FLEX
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ES was designed from the beginning to exploit remote control and remote operation through use of command line interfaces over TCP/IP networks. Travel to
FSI’s D/R facility to recover a system is simply not necessary. With internet connectivity, customers can test
D/R procedures from wherever they choose and not be forced to travel to a D/R site.
FSI owns and staffs its data backup and D/R facility in northern California. The building is secluded 600 feet above the Sacramento River valley in a seismically stable location.
Shielded geographically from radio interference, the steel and concrete structure was built with broadband data needs in mind. High-capacity fiber trunk lines provide redundant pathways. Three satellite transceivers, 18.3 meters (60-feet) in diameter, provide broadband transmission and reception in the Pacific Operating Region and Atlantic Operating Region.
Should electrical transmission to the site be interrupted, emergency power is available from redundant 800-kilowatt generators, with 30 days’ fuel stored on the property.
The facility’s staff are the same people that invented FLEX ■ ES and FLEXCUB mainframe products and technology. They are uniquely qualified to configure servers in a disaster recovery situation, to service FSI products, and to exploit those products to your advantage for both data backup and disaster recovery.
FSI is committed to helping its FLEX
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ES and FLEXCUB customers prepare for disasters and other disruptions to their mainframe operations. That commitment shows itself in new enhancements to the company’s innovative software, its uniquely equipped D/R site, and its continued investment in expert personnel.
FLEX
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ES and FLEXCUB customers have already selected an
FSI solution for their mainframe computing needs because it provides cost-efficient plug compatibility. They can now further protect their business through subscription to FSI’s data backup and disaster recovery services. The same cost effectiveness makes these tailored, complementary services an easy choice.
Mr. Martin Groen, Director of Sales
Fundamental Software, Inc.
48025 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538 USA
Phone (510) 438-9229, extension 154
Fax (510) 438-9832
E-mail inquiry@funsoft.com
www.funsoft.com
June 2007
Copyright © 2007 Fundamental Software, Inc. (FSI)
FLEX  ES and FLEXCUB are registered trademarks of Fundamental Software, Inc.
FakeTape is a trademark of Fundamental Software, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.