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

Iomega has introduced the new StorCenter ix2 Network Storage network storage device for content sharing, data protection and video surveillance for small and medium businesses.

Iomega Corporation, a company of EMC, specialist in data storage solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), has presented the new Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Storage, An advanced two-bay desktop network storage device available in multiple configurations and designed specifically for content sharing and data protection as well as cloud computing and small business video surveillance applications, work groups, remote offices and distributed companies.

Based on EMC enterprise-grade storage technology, The new Iomega StorCenter ix2 provides up to 6TB of network storage for small and medium-sized business groups and distributed or remote locations using PC computers, Mac y Linux. The new StorCenter ix2 encompasses many advanced business capabilities not typically available to smaller organizations, including out-of-the-box video surveillance features for up to five IP camera installations. Users can also choose between 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, that features unparalleled simplicity and versatility to protect and share data without monthly fees or service costs.

Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega Corporation, has noted that “affordable network storage for small businesses, distributed companies and others, 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 capabilities of network storage solutions with enterprise-grade applications to small and medium-sized manufacturing and professional services businesses., as well as distributed retail companies, banking and other vertical industries. “The new StorCenter ix2 is exactly that new type of network storage solution – rich in versatile features and enterprise capabilities and the first of several advanced network storage solutions that Iomega will launch in 2012.”.

Configurations of the new StorCenter ix2
Iomega's new StorCenter ix2 two-bay network storage device offers small businesses and others the flexible benefits of three different models: a diskless drive that allows users and channel partners the option to prepare the device according to their specific storage needs and price preferences, especially in these times of hard drive shortage due to Thailand floods; a partially prepared device with a disk drive (1TB, 2TB or 3TB of total storage capacity) giving 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 RAID mirroring 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 enterprise file storage and backup with a variety of advanced options, StorCenter ix2 compact two-drive appliance uses a CD-free setup process with downloaded software, which gets the unit up and running in minutes. Accessible via web interface with compatibility for 17 languages, network storage device (NAS) StorCenter ix2 uses EMC's acclaimed LifeLine™ software, a fully Linux-powered operating environment incorporating select world-class storage technologies from EMC, typically available only to large business category customers.

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

• 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 computer backups.
• Personal Cloud de Iomega, 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 first moment. (See below for additional details.)
• Iomega Link for iOS devices provides convenient remote connection of iPhone and iPad to your data.
• VMware® and XenServer™ certified for virtual desktop deployments.
• Easy-to-configure device-to-device data replication with two Iomega StorCenter units.
• Scalable storage capacity by connecting two external USB hard drives.
• Native Time Machine® support for use with Apple® Mac backup.
• iSCSI target drives provide block-level access for the most efficient storage utilization.
• Portfolio fees, Windows Active Directory Service and more.

Video surveillance capability
Video surveillance of the interior or exterior of a location's facilities is an absolute business necessity for many organizations today, whether a stand-alone 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 economical advantages of always-ready and accessible network storage for low-camera installations.

The StorCenter ix2 has built-in support for up to five UPnP cameras (‘plug and play’ universal) on Axis network, Bosch o Panasonic. IP security cameras can capture and store video directly on the StorCenter ix2 without the need for a dedicated PC, allowing users quick playback of video surveillance recording and live camera viewing capability.

The StorCenter ix2 encodes video in MPEG-4 format. Users can set their stored video files to be deleted after a scheduled date or file size limit. The StorCenter ix2 also includes Axis video hosting system (AVHS, Video Hosting Service) integrated, for local or cloud-based management of video cameras and storage of surveillance content. Users also have the option of using MindTree's SecureMind downloadable video service management software.. (A free license for one camera with MindTree SecureMind is included; and additional licenses can be purchased.)