Cisco, HP, Dell Offer Storage Appliances for Businesses on a Budget

by Nathan Eddy

The system supports up to 4TB of data and up to 15 concurrent users with each chassis. It also offers CDP (continuous data protection) to automatically back up every version of every file saved by employees.

Based on Microsoft Windows Home Server, this HP storage system offers an easy-to-use interface and provides businesses with automated backup for up to 10 PC clients or Macs on the network.

Powered by enterprise-class EMC LifeLine software, the StorCenter ix12-300r is available in configurations starting at 4TB and can be expanded to 24TB in a single array.

Synology File Station 2 simplifies file management, enabling access from any Web browser. For Windows-based computers, Synology includes Data Replicator 3.??í

The Dell Powervault NX3000 appliances FSRM (File Services Resource Manager) is a single management interface that delivers improved managed file services across CIFS/NFS (Common Internet File System/Network File System).

Paired with two 3.5-inch hard drives, Buffalo Technologys LinkStation Duo provides users with the option to protect their data using RAID redundancy.

The NetGear ReadyNAS 3100 8TB appliance is a 1U (1.75-inch), four-bay storage system that supports both NAS (network-attached storage) and SAN (storage area network) applications and offers integrated data protection and off-site replication features.

Featuring four USB 2.0 ports for external drives, printers and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and four internal SATA (Serial ATA) II ports, this Seagate storage appliance supports up to 50 workstations.