Iomega updates StorCenter NAS with Bluetooth, more
updated 12:00 am EDT, Thu October 8, 2009
Adds 1-touch backup, user replaceable drives
Iomega tonight launched a sweeping update to its StorCenter network-attached storage (NAS) hub. The company has added a host of new features both in hardware and software, including support for Bluetooth, Windows' Active Directory, improved energy savings, user replaceable drives, remote access and a one-button backup.
The StorCenter ix2-200 ships today in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities with gigabit Ethernet and four USB ports. Corporate users are served by support for Windows Active Directory, iSCSI block-level access, VMware certification and cross-platform support that extends to Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. It recognizes all common network protocols, including zero-configuration formats like Bonjour, and can read or write to FAT32, NTFS, ext2/3 and HFS+.
Home users are cated for through support for Apple's Time Machine as well as UPnP, DLNA and iTunes media sharing from computers and devices like the Xbox 360. Built-in remote access provides a unique web address so the device can be accessed through a browser.
The StorCenter supports intelligent print sharing for up to three USB printers. Built-in Bluetooth allows users to share photos and contacts from smartphones and notebooks. In a rare touch, the device recognizes as many as 5 Axis Network surveillance video cameras, allowing monitoring and recording without the use of a computer.
The front-panel Quick Transfer button handles the automated backup and can be configured either to mirror itself directly to another device, either attached or on the local network, using rsync or Windows File Sharing. The device is configured as a RAID 1 mirror and will automatically rebuild the array in the event of a single drive loss. It can work in tandem with a UPS and gracefully shut down during a power outage.
Unlike previous versions of the StorCenter, users can now replace their own drives by removing a screw in the back. New "green" features include automatic disk spin-down, more efficient drives and an Energy Star certified power supply.
The StorCenter ix2-200 is available now in the 1TB version for $270 and 2TB for $370. The 4TB version will ship later this month for $700.
