Iomega Introduces Desktop NAS for Small Businesses

Iomega Monday unwrapped a new desktop network storage device intended to give small and medium businesses (SMBs), home offices and distributed enterprises access to enterprise-level storage tools.

The company, a subsidiary of EMC (NYSE:EMC), made the announcement at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Dubbed Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Storage, it’s a two-bay desktop network attached storage device that comes in multiple configurations designed for content sharing and data protection, along with cloud computing and video surveillance applications.

“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 Jontan 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 mid-sized businesses in professional services and manufacturing as well as distributed enterprises in retail, banking and other vertical industries,” said Huberman. “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.”

Iomega said it will offer the device in three different models: a diskless chassis that users and channel partners can populate with hard drive as they see fit; a partially populated unit with one drive with an option of 1TB, 2TB or 3TB of total storage capacity; and a fully populated unit with two drives (2TB, 4TB or 6TB of total storage capacity) ready for immediate RAID mirroring data protection and other multi-drive network storage capabilities.

Depending on the configuration, features of the StorCenter ix2 include:

  • RAID 1 (mirrored) data protection (requires a fully populated two-drive configuration)
  • User replaceable hard drives)
  • Automatic setup of the Iomega QuikProtect backup software
  • Iomega Personal Cloud to share and access your data
  • Video surveillance IP camera support
  • Iomega Link for iOS devices
  • VMware and XenServer certified for virtual desktop implementations
  • The capability to expand storage capacity by connecting external USB hard drives
  • Native Time Machine support for Mac

Iomega said it plans to make all three configurations available in February 2012, with pricing starting at $199.99 for the diskless model. Iomega said the StorCenter ix 2 includes a standard three-year limited warranty with U.S.-based phone support up to 13 hours a day, five days a week. Iomega also offers an Enhanced Service Plan, which provides 24×7 phone support with advance replacement.

Thor Olavsrud is a contributor to InternetNews.com, the news service of the IT Business Edge Network, the network for technology professionals.

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