Iomega Releases Four-Drive NAS Appliance

Data protection specialist Iomega, a subsidiary of EMC, announced the next generation of its quad-drive desktop network-attached storage (NAS) appliance, the Iomega StorCenter ix4-200d, aimed at small to medium-size businesses (SMBs). Based on EMC technology, the ix4-200d NAS appliance provides up to 8TB of networked storage that integrates with existing infrastructure for expanded storage, file-sharing and backup of business data and offers features such as iSCSI block-level access, device-to-device replication to network targets and multiple RAID configurations.

The 2TB StorCenter ix4-200d NAS appliance is now worldwide for $699.99, the 4TB model lists for $899.99, and the 8TB model lists for $1,899.99. The appliance is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux PCs and the interface is localized in 11 languages. The ix4-200d also comes with Iomega QuikProtect backup software for scheduled file-level backup of data to hard drives and network-attached storage devices. For data security, the ix4-200d also includes RSA BSAFE encryption security technology for protecting installs and upgrades from viruses or malware (RSA is the security division of EMC that protects digital data at large banks).

The ix4-200d can be configured with different levels of RAID support: RAID 5 (pre-configured) and RAID 10 (both with automatic RAID rebuild), as well as RAID third cousin "just a bunch of disks" (JBOD). The four drives in the ix4 are user replaceable SATA II hard drives that helps minimize downtime. Dual Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and an efficient embedded architecture helps boost small business productivity by making data readily accessible and secure over a local network, the company said. The ix4-200d also has three USB 2.0 ports for adding printers or additional storage capacity with external USB drives.

Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega and the consumer and small business products division of EMC, said the appliance delivers the advantages of EMC's enterprise storage technologies to small businesses and distributed enterprises in an affordable and user-friendly solution. "From device-to-device replication and iSCSI support to dual Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, VMware certification and other innovative and user-friendly features, the ix4-200d is an excellent yet affordable NAS appliance that gives smaller organizations and work groups not only cost-effective powerful network storage but many of the same sophisticated data management capabilities as a Fortune 100 corporation that no competitor can match," he said.

Other features include Windows Active Directory support, remote access and management, IP security camera support and a new front panel LCD and QuikTransfer button for one-touch copying of selected files. The ix4-200d is certified as both NAS (NFS) and iSCSI storage for VMware vSphere and is compatible with UPnP and DLNA certified media players, allowing midmarket companies to stream photos, audio and videos not only to notebooks and desktops but a variety of media devices, including game consoles audio bridges, iTunes players, networked digital picture frames and other compatible devices.

Scott Zahl, vice president of vendor management for Ingram Micro U.S., one of Iomega's largest IT distribution partners, said small business and consumer demand for efficient and affordable data protection, storage and backup solutions continues to grow as more people recognize the value in proactively protecting and being able to quickly recover their data. "The functionality and overall performance found within the new StorCenter ix4-200d will enable our channel partners to deliver world class enterprise storage technology solutions at an affordable price and in a form factor that is easily managed," he said. "That's a great value proposition, especially in today's budget conscious marketplace."