Storcenter ix2, new device to protect data and for video surveillance of SMEs

Iomega unveiled new StorCenter ix2 Network Storage network storage device to share content, data protection and video surveillance for small and medium-sized businesses.

Iomega Corporation, a company of Emc, specialist in data storage solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (Smes), introduced the new Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Storage, an advanced two-bay desktop network storage appliance available in multiple configurations and designed specifically for content sharing and data protection as well as for cloud computing and video surveillance applications in small businesses, working groups, remote offices and distributed businesses.

Based on EMC's enterprise-level storage technology, the new Iomega StorCenter ix2 provides up to 6TB of networked storage for small and medium business sets and distributed or remote locations using PCs, Mac and Linux. The new StorCenter ix2 encompasses many advanced business capabilities that are not normally available to smaller organizations, including out-of-the-box video surveillance features for up to five camera installations per IP. Users can also choose from cloud backup options with Mozy, Amazon S3 and EMC Atmos-enabled cloud backup services offered by service providers, as well as Iomega's revolutionary Personal Cloud technology, with unparalleled simplicity and versatility to protect and share data without monthly fees or service costs.

Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega Corporation, noted that "affordable network storage for small businesses, distributed companies and other, that efficiently balances ease of use with advanced features such as cloud computing, virtual desktop deployments and video surveillance, is the most distinctive feature of the new StorCenter ix2. Our goal at Iomega is to bring the benefits and functionality of networked storage solutions with enterprise-level applications to small and medium-sized professional services and manufacturing companies, as well as distributed retail companies, banking and other vertical industries. The new StorCenter ix2 is exactly that new type of networked storage solution – rich in versatile features and enterprise capabilities and the first of several advanced networked storage solutions that Iomega will launch in 2012".

Configurations of the new StorCenter ix2
Iomega's new StorCenter ix2 two-bay network storage appliance offers small businesses and others the flexible benefits of three different models: a diskless drive that allows users and partners of associated channels the option to prepare the device according to their specific storage needs and price preferences, especially in these times of hard drive shortages due to Thailand's floods; a partially prepared device with a disk drive (1Tb, 2TB or 3TB of total storage capacity) that gives users the freedom to choose to increase their storage capacity over time; and a fully equipped device with two units (2Tb, 4TB or 6TB of total storage capacity) for immediate mirror RAID replication data protection and other multi-disk network storage capabilities.

The three configurations of the new Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Storage – partially prepared, fully prepared and discless – expected to be available worldwide in February.

Features of the new network storage device
Designed for central storage and backup of enterprise files with a variety of advanced options, StorCenter ix2 two-drive compact device uses a CD-free setup process with downloaded software, that makes the unit set up and running in minutes. Accessible by web interface with support for 17 Languages, the network storage device (Nas) StorCenter ix2 uses EMC's acclaimed LifeLine™ software, an operating environment fully developed by Linux that incorporates EMC's select world-class storage technologies, normally available only to large-scale customers.

Depending on the configuration – partially or fully prepared – the StorCenter ix2 appliance offers numerous server features and advanced data protection and business capabilities, including:

• RAID data protection 1 (in mirror) with a fully prepared configuration with two disk drives.
• User-replaceable hard drives for business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Automatic configuration of Iomega QuikProtect backup software for simplified PC and Mac backups.
• Iomega Personal Cloud, the most economical way to protect, share and access your data from anywhere in the world (requires Internet access).
• Video surveillance with IP cameras ready from the start. (See below for additional details.)
• Iomega Link for iOS devices provides convenient iPhone and iPad remote connection with your data.
• VMware® and XenServer certificate™ for virtual desktop deployments.
• Easy-to-configure device-to-device data replica with two Iomega StorCenter drives.
• Scalability of storage capacity by connecting two external USB hard drives.
• Native Time Machine® support for use with Apple backup® Mac.
• iSCSI target drives provide block-level access for more efficient storage utilization.
• Folder fees, Windows Active Directory Service and more.

Capacity for video surveillance
Video surveillance of the inside or outside of a location's premises is an absolute business need for many organizations today, whether it's an independent company or a distributed company with multiple locations. In contrast to the limitations of the traditional DVR video surveillance approach, The StorCenter ix2 brings us the cost-effectively profiable benefits of networked storage always ready and accessible for low-camera installations.

StorCenter ix2 has built-in support for up to five UPnP cameras ('plug and play’ Universal) Axis network, Bosch or Panasonic. IP security cameras can capture and store video directly on the StorCenter ix2 without the need for a dedicated PC exclusively, allowing users to quickly play video surveillance recording and live camera viewing capability.

StorCenter ix2 encodes video in MPEG-4 format. Users can configure their stored video files to be deleted after a scheduled date or file size limit. StorCenter ix2 also includes Axis video host system (Avhs, Video Hosting Service) Integrated, for on-premises or cloud-based management of video cameras and storage of surveillance content. Users also have the option to use MindTree's SecureMind downloadable video service management software. (A free license for a mindTree SecureMind camera is included; additional licenses can be purchased.)

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