Iomega Unveils Storage Appliance For Home, Small Businesses

Iomega on Wednesday launched a $300 1-TB network storage appliance for the home and small businesses.

The StorCenter ix2 is also available with 2 TB of storage for about $180 more. Iomega, owned by EMC, says the appliance is easy to use with only "four mouse clicks" necessary to configure the system to back up multiple computers and other devices. The system is powered by EMC's LifeLine storage management software running on the open source Linux operating system.

“The ix2 puts even the most nontechnical person at ease with its straightforward operation," Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega, said in a statement.

Among the options is support for the Bluetooth wireless protocol that would enable someone to download photos, for example, from a mobile phone to the appliance. The system, which is powered by EMC software, has built-in support for Universal Plug and Play, a set of network protocols for sharing data among consumer electronics. The appliance also supports the Digital Living Network Alliance's interoperability framework, which has also been adopted by many consumer electronics manufacturers.

The ix2 includes an integrated iTunes server for storing files from Apple's popular music and video management software. Among the small-business features is a surveillance capability that supports Axis Communications' digital video cameras. Iomega said the feature provides real-time viewing and recording of activity inside and outside an office.

Hardware features include a Gigabit Ethernet connection and two USB ports. The ix2 uses two SATA II drives, which have a speed of 3 Gbps.

The appliance is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux PCs, and supports up to two printers or external hard drives. The interface is in 11 languages. The product is scheduled to ship Oct. 30.

EMC completed its acquisition of Iomega in June. As a result, all Iomega hard drives feature software that connects to EMC's MozyHome service, which lets users store large amounts of data online for $4.95 a month.