Iomega StorCenter ix2 NAS Appliance

Iomega, an EMC company and a global leader in data protection, today announced exciting new features for the Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Drive, including remote access and peer-to-peer file sharing, as well as ease-of-use enhancements that make the ix2 NAS appliance one of the most versatile home and small business network storage drives available today.

"With the simplest set-up process in the industry, the ix2 not only provides home and small business network storage users with such important features as media serving, Bluetooth and video surveillance capabilities, now we've added remote access so users can connect to their files from anywhere in the world, as well as the new standard in peer-to-peer file sharing and much more," said Jonathan Huberman, President of Iomega and the Consumer and Small Business Products Division of EMC. "That's the power of network computing with Iomega and EMC."

The "New and Improved" StorCenter ix2 NAS Appliance

Here is rundown of some of the new features incorporated into the 1TB* and 2TB StorCenter ix2 NAS:

• Remote Access: ix2 users can now connect to their pictures, videos and other files from anywhere in the world - as though they were sitting at their workstation or home computer. The process is simple: enter a personalized web address into any browser and the user will be easily and securely downloading and uploading their files. Users can change the settings on the ix2, such as adding users and folders from any web-enabled device. The first year of remote access is free; the cost is $9.95 for every year thereafter. Custom domain names, such as yourfamilyname.com, are also available for an additional charge.
• Torrent Download: Considered by many as the new standard in peer-to-peer file sharing, this technology facilitates download management directly to the StorCenter ix2, making it easier and faster to download large media files. With direct file transfer to the ix2, users can say "Goodbye!" to frustrating unfinished downloads and having to leave your PC on all the time.
• Folder Quotas: With all the digital content available today, storage space can disappear a lot faster than you think. Quotas allow users to set a maximum capacity for shared storage folders on the StorCenter ix2 to prevent any of the folders from consuming too much space. If a folder exceeds 90% of its capacity, the ix2 sends a message so the folder size can be adjusted, if desired.
• Jumbo Frame Support: This new feature increases data flow for larger files when network traffic increases, allowing more efficient computing.
• Apple File Protocol (AFP): To simplify file-sharing for Mac users, the ix2 now includes native support of the Apple File Protocol (AFP) file system to facilitate copying files and networking from a Macintosh computer.

StorCenter ix2 - General Capabilities
With just four mouse clicks, users of the StorCenter ix2 can configure up to two terabytes of storage and advanced information management, protection and sharing capabilities that can be connected to multiple devices - including wirelessly with Bluetooth - to manage all their digital files.

For home users, built-in support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified devices means the recently DLNA certified StorCenter ix2 can save, store, and play back all kinds of multimedia files - music, photos, videos and other digital content - using not only laptops and desktop computers but any compatible device on a home network, including the popular Sony PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.

For business users, the StorCenter ix2 offers unique applications to boost office productivity. In addition to speed, centralized storage capacity and the onboard security to protect all the files on a network, the ix2 delivers optional Bluetooth connectivity, which allows users to send pictures, files and address book contacts directly from cell phones to the StorCenter ix2 for network sharing and data protection. The StorCenter ix2 also has a unique digital video surveillance capability using a compatible Axis video surveillance camera for inexpensive real-time viewing and recording of activity inside or outside the office.

Fast network performance at the office or in the home is delivered through a Gigabit Ethernet connection, and data is stored on two high-performance SATA-II drives. Up to two USB devices can be connected to the ix2, including USB printers for network print sharing, a USB Bluetooth dongle for direct uploads, or external USB drives to add incremental storage capacity.

The ix2 includes encryption technology from RSA, the security division of EMC that protects digital data at many of the world's largest banks and now shields the StorCenter ix2 from viruses or malware. This is another example of EMC technology integrated into the StorCenter ix2 to help protect users' data.

The StorCenter ix2 provides data backup and protection with integrated EMC Retrospect Express backup product. During the set-up process, users choose files and folders for scheduled automatic backups from all the PCs and Macs on their network. After that, any changes or additions are updated and saved automatically. The ix2 also includes MozyHome online backup, which provides 2GB of free online storage for connected PC and Mac computers with the option to upgrade to unlimited online backup storage for $4.95 per month per computer.

EMC LifeLine technology integrated into the StorCenter ix2 manages all of the appliance's potent network-based storage functionality, along with out-of-the-box data protection, file management and media-serving capabilities.

Availability of New Features
The new features are now shipping with new StorCenter ix2 units.

Compatibility
The StorCenter ix2 Network Storage appliance is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux PCs and supports up to two printers or external hard drives. The interface is localized in 11 languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional and Simple Chinese, German, and Russian). Other supported devices include uPnP AV devices, digital media adapters, iTunes, and PTP (e.g., digital cameras and frames). BlueTooth compatibility requires an optional adapter.

Price and Availability
The 1TB StorCenter ix2 Network Storage appliance is available worldwide for $299.95; the 2TB model is available for $479.95. (All prices are U.S. suggested retail.)

Overview
Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Storage offers advanced security, storage and content sharing in an easy-to-use product ideal for small networks. EMC’s world class storage and security technologies are built-in and include EMC Retrospect Express backup software, RSA BSAFE virus encryption technology, plus RAID 1 to protect against data loss in case of disk failure. A four-click set-up, intuitive user interface, print server capability to share between two printers and management of shared folders (Microsoft ADS also supported) simplify usage. A built in media server turns the device into a multimedia hub allowing you to listen, view and access digital content from any compatible device on your network. Plus advanced features such as Bluetooth upload, security camera support and UPnP and DLNA media device capabilities are included. Supporting PC, Mac and Linux clients.

The ideal small network storage solution for protecting and sharing data

• Enhanced data protection
• Easy Setup and usage
• Extensive content sharing capabilities
• Fast and powerful performance
• Sophisticated features such as security camera capabilities, user/group setups and Bluetooth upload

The StorCenter ix2 offers multiple levels of protection:

• Secure your data with scheduled, automatic backups, utilizing built-in award-winning EMC Retrospect Express backup software
• Proven encryption technology from RSA, the security division of EMC, protects your data from hackers during installs/upgrades
• Prevent against data loss in case of disk drive failure with sophisticated RAID 1 (Mirroring) and JBOD features
• Proactive diagnostic emails notify you of backup failures or other issues, offering complete peace of mind

EMC LifeLine software delivers powerful network-based storage and backup functionality, along with out-of-the-box data protection, file management, and media serving capabilities:

• Remote Access—You can connect to your pictures, videos, and files from anywhere in the world – as though you were sitting right at your workstation or home computer! Enter a personalized web address into any browser, and you will be easily downloading and uploading your files securely. Administrators can easily change StorCenter settings, like adding users and folders from any web enabled device. The first year of remote access is free.
• Torrent Download—The new standard in peer-to-peer file sharing. This technology facilitates download management, making it easier and faster to download large media files. With direct file transfer to your StorCenter, say goodbye to those unfinished downloads!
• Folder Quotas—Space is a precious resource on your device. You want to manage it so you always have room to save your documents. Quotas let you set a maximum capacity for shared storage folders on the StorCenter ix2 to prevent any of them from consuming too much space. This allows you to allocate just the right amount space for your most important documents.
• Apple File Protocol—To better simplify file sharing, EMC LifeLine software now includes Apple File Protocol (AFP) native file system to facilitate copying files and automate networking from your Mac.
• Customer Information—For existing StorCenter ix2 customers, upgrading to this latest version of LifeLine software is free. Users must download and install software on both the StorCenter ix2, and for PC or Mac client computers. To download the software and for installation instructions, please click here.
  
  *Remote Access not available in mainland China.

What You Get

• Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Hard Drive
• Ethernet Cable
• Power Supply (support for worldwide distribution)
• Printed Quick Install Guide
• Solution CD with system administration software, EMC Retrospect Express Backup and Disaster Recovery Software (Unlimited client licenses) and user manual
• EMC LifeLine Software via download.
• Service & Support: one year standard service. Extended Silver service is available.

Tech Specs

System Requirements

PC Users:

• Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP Home / XP Professional / XP Professional x64 / Windows Vista Home Basic/ Home Premium/ Business / Ultimate
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, Firefox 1.5, Netscape 8.0, or higher
• 256MB RAM or higher
• CD or DVD drive to install software
• Must meet minimum RAM requirements for your operating system
• Available 10/100Mbps network Ethernet port (required)
• 1000 Mbps recommended for maximum performance
• DHCP-configured network (recommended)
• Network hub, switch, or router (recommended)

Mac Users:

• Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
• Apple Safari 2.0 browser or higher
• 128MB RAM or higher
• CD or DVD drive to install software
• Must meet minimum RAM requirements for your operating system
• Available 10/100Mbps network Ethernet port (required)
• 1000 Mbps recommended for maximum performance
• DHCP-configured network (recommended)
• Network hub, switch, or router (recommended)

Linux Users:

• Supported Linux distributions: Ubuntu 7.10, Fedora 8, Fedora 7, FedoraCore 6/5, Redhat Enterprise Linux 5 Desktop/Workstation, Redhat Enterprise Linux 4 Desktop/Workstation, OpenSUSE 10.3, Debian 4
• Network adapter 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• DHCP-configured Network (recommended)
• Network hub, switch, or router (recommended)

Specifications
General:
Operating System

• EMC LifeLine - A fully-developed Linux operating environment and suite of applications

Included Software

• EMC Retrospect Express Backup and Disaster Recovery Software (Unlimited client licenses)

Storage

• Two (2) SATA hard drives.

Physical Dimensions

• Width: 3.15 in (80mm)
• Length: 7.875 in (200mm)
• Height: 4.92 in (124.97mm)
• Weight: 4.85 lbs (2.2 kg)

Hello , This is Really Nice that they are Offering Remote access for free in first year, and then costs $9.95 per year thereafter. Any web-enabled device can access files and allowed folders through a password protected interface. Torrent downloads, meanwhile, allow users to switch off their PC and rely on the ix2 managing the download and storage. Iomega have also included jumbo frame support for improved data flow across the network.