StorCenter ix2 Network Storage Device For SMBs from Iomega

EMC subsidiary Iomega, a provider of data storage products for small and midsize businesses, announced the StorCenter ix2 Network Storage platform, an advanced version of its two-bay desktop network storage device. It is 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 (£129.38) 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.

Six terabytes capacity

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 cameras.

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 universal plug and play (UPnP) 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 use the downloadable MindTree SecureMind video service management software. One camera licence with MineTree SecureMind is included free, with additional licences 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,” he said.