Promise Technology Unveils NAS For SMBs

Promise Technology has introduced a storage device that leverages the Digital Living Network Alliance standard in sharing content between consumer electronics and PCs across a network.

The SmartStor Zero network-attached storage and digital media server can download and upload content with DLNA-supporting devices, including Apple's iPhone and mobile gadgets running the Windows Mobile or Google Android operating system. The new product is built to be the data and media hub for home and office devices.

Promise says the big selling point of SmartStor Zero is its ease of installation and use. "Today's consumer does not want to be concerned with complicated setup procedures, media compatibility or dealing with the process of accessibility," Chi Chen Wu, chief technology officer for Promise, said in a statement released Thursday. "The consumer wants a one, two, three approach to store, share and play music, movies and photos without the hassle of integration."

To make that possible, Promise has developed its own software management tool called "ON" for both Windows and the Mac. The application handles configuration and mapping of DLNA devices and also manages content sharing. In addition, SmartStor Zero functions as an iTunes media server for streaming music and video using Apple's entertainment management software.

Promise says "one-touch configuration" is possible with devices running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7; and Mac OS X 10.5.2 or higher. Supported entertainment devices include Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 video-game consoles, and DLNA-compliant televisions from Samsung and Sony.

The new product also has a wizard that guides users through the process of setting up the SmartStor Zero for remote access. Promise says the device can auto-configure a router to make stored files accessible over the Internet.

SmartStor Zero, which is available with up to 4TB of storage, is scheduled to be available in the first quarter of next year. Pricing starts at $279. Promise plans to showcase the produce at the International Consumer Electronics Show Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nev.

As of August, more than 5,500 different devices support the DLNA standard. In 2008, nearly 200 million compliant devices were sold, according to ABI Research.