Iomega Thinks Small With Low-Cost Storage Appliance

Iomega intends to simplify local network storage for small businesses with a low-cost desktop appliance that the EMC subsidiary says takes four mouse clicks to configure.StorCenter iX2, available with either 1 TB or 2 TB of storage, has actually been around for a year, but now incorporates EMC's Linux-based LifeLine software, which came out three months before EMC acquired Iomega. LifeLine was designed to help small/home office users and consumers centralize their digital files safely and securely.

"One of the challenges with [StorCenter iX2] has been to address both the consumer and small business sectors, and make it appeal to both," said George Melissargos, Iomegas international product manager for network storage, in an interview with Network World. "We have put features into the box to address the needs of both markets."

Melissargos said the appliance can be used as a file server, is easy to administrate and manage, and, with two USB ports, leaves the door open if you want to add more storage devices. StorCenter iX2 also includes a Gigabit Ethernet connection, two SATA-II drives (for a speed of 3 Gbps), EMC's Retrospect Express backup software (with up to five client licenses), and EMC's Mozy online backup service.

StorCenter iX2 weighs less than 5 pounds and takes up about as much space as a shoebox. It will begin shipping Oct. 30; the 1-TB version will cost $299.99 and the 2-TB version will cost $479.99.