Iomega Launches New StorCenter Small Business NAS

Small business network attached storage (NAS) has evolved past simple file repositories, according to Marc Tanguay, general manager of network storage for Iomega. As proof, the company launched new StorCenter px2-300d and ix4-300d desktop NAS systems.

The new StorCenter devices, says Tanguay, are “full-featured and positioned for a small office to a small-to-midsized business.” Both systems share a long list of features in common, including built-in cloud connectivity options, including EMC Atmos, Mozy Pro and Amazon S3.

Iomega Small Business NAS

For secure, managed file access and sharing capabilities outside of the office, there’s Iomega Personal Cloud. Simple to manage and “not as complex to set up as a VPN,” says Tanguay, the capability extends native file access to mobile PCs across an internet connection. You can access and save files directly to an Iomega StorCenter px2-300d and ix4-300d as seamlessly as if they were connected to their local networks.

The StorCenter px2-300d is a compact, two-bay unit that can accommodate up to 6 TB of hot-swappable SATA drive capacity (2 x 3 TB drives, 7,200 RPM server class). Under the hood, it packs a dual-core Intel Atom processor and 2 GB of memory. “The large amount of memory helps cache writes” and boost responsiveness, says Tanguay.

The processor-memory combo also helps the px2-300d stand apart in the small business NAS market by enabling advanced capabilities that were once exclusive to up-market, enterprise-class storage systems.

These include volume encryption, EMC Avamar data deduplication and McAfee VirusScan Enterprise virus protection. On the video surveillance front, the hardware can support up to 16 IP cameras and ships with SecureMind Surveillance Manager video management software (single camera license).

Iomega’s StorCenter ix4-300d is a four-drive SATA system that, according to Iomega, delivers up to twice the performance of its predecessor thanks, in part, to its new Marvell Armada, dual-core ARM processor. The ix4-300d supports up to 12 TB of SATA drive storage capacity (4 x 3 TB drives, 5,400 RPM). It also supports eight IP cameras, and like the px2-300d, also includes SecureMind Surveillance Manager (single camera license).

Iomega StorCenter px2-300d is available now. Prices for the px2-300d range from $499.99 for a diskless model to $1,199.99 for a 6 TB model.

The StorCenter ix4-300d diskless model is available now and sells for $599.99. The company plans to start shipping a 4 TB, 8 TB and 12 TB models soon. Prices are $749.99, $949.99 and $1,299.99, respectively. Iomega is currently qualifying 4 TB SATA hard drives, which are expected to add a capacity bump to both NAS systems.

Pedro Hernandez is a contributing editor at Internetnews.com, the news service of the IT Business Edge Network, the network for technology professionals. Follow him on Twitter @ecoINSITE.