EMC subsidiary Iomega, a
provider of data storage solutions for small and midsize businesses, announced
the StorCenter ix2 Network Storage platform, an advanced two-bay desktop
network storage device available in multiple configurations and designed for
content sharing and data protection as well as cloud computing and video
surveillance applications at small businesses, work groups, remote offices and
distributed enterprises.
All three configurations of
the StorCenter ix2—partially populated, fully populated and diskless—are
expected to be available worldwide in February, with prices starting at $199.99
for the diskless model without any included hard drives. The compact two-drive
StorCenter ix2 uses a CD-less setup process with downloaded software and uses
EMC’s LifeLine software, a Linux operating environment that incorporates select
EMC storage technologies.
Based on enterprise-class
EMC storage technology, the StorCenter ix2 provides up to 6TB of network
storage for SMB networks and distributed or remote locations using PC, Mac and
Linux computers. The StorCenter ix2 offers business capabilities, including
out-of-the-box video surveillance capabilities for up to five IP camera installations.
Users can also employ their choice of cloud backup capability with Mozy, Amazon
S3 and EMC Atmos-enabled cloud backup services offered by service providers, as
well as Iomega's Personal Cloud technology featuring without monthly fees or
service costs.
The platform is available in
three models: a diskless unit that allows users and channel partners the option
to populate the device according to their storage needs and pricing
preferences, a partially populated unit with one drive (1TB, 2TB or 3TB of
total storage capacity) that gives users the ability to increase their storage
capacity over time and a fully populated unit with two drives (2TB, 4TB or 6TB
of total storage capacity) for immediate RAID mirroring data protection and
other multi-drive network storage capabilities.
The StorCenter ix2 has
built-in support for up to five UPnP (universal plug and play) network cameras
by Axis, Bosch or Panasonic. IP security cameras can capture and store video
directly to the StorCenter ix2 without the need of a dedicated PC, and encodes
video as MPEG-4. Users can set up their stored video files to delete after a
schedule date or file size limit. The device also includes the embedded Axis
Video Hosting Service (AVHS) for local to hosted cloud-based management of
video cameras and storage of surveillance content. Users also have the option
to utilize the downloadable MindTree SecureMind video service management
software. One camera license with MineTree SecureMind is included free, with
additional licenses available for purchase, the company noted.
"Affordable network
storage for small businesses, distributed enterprises and others that
effectively balances ease-of-use in data management with advanced capabilities
such as cloud computing, virtual desktop deployments and video surveillance is
the hallmark of the new StorCenter ix2," said Jonathan Huberman, president
of Iomega. "Our objective at Iomega is to bring the advantages and
capabilities of network storage solutions with enterprise-level applications to
small and midsized businesses in professional services and manufacturing as
well as distributed enterprises in retail, banking and other vertical
industries. The new StorCenter ix2 is exactly that kind of network storage
solution—rich in versatile features and business capabilities and the first of
several advanced Iomega network storage solutions coming in 2012."
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