Data storage space is like closet space, there never seems
to be enough. Iomega is looking to bring enterprise-sized storage to the SMB
sector with a family of low priced NAS units. The entry level StorCenter ix2 starts
out with 1TByte of storage with an estimated street price of around $220, other
models in the family include a 2TByte unit for $350,3TByte unit for $450,4TByte
for $580 and 6Tbyte for $770.
Enterprise features include RAID 1, user replaceable hard
drives for disaster recovery, video surveillance IP camera support, Iomega Link
for iOS for remote iPhone and iPad connectivity and VMWare- and
XenServer-certification for virtual desktop implementation. The ix2 NAS works
with Windows Active Directory Service and can be used for iSCSI storage.
The ix2 units also allow users to use their choice of cloud
backup services, such as Mozy, Amazon S3 and other EMC Atmos-enabled cloud
backup services offered by service providers. Iomega is optionally offering a
Personal Cloud product, which offers simplified data sharing and protection
without any monthly fees or service costs.
"Our objective at Iomega is to bring the advantages and
capabilities of network storage solutions with enterprise-level applications to
small and mid-sized businesses in professional services and manufacturing as
well as distributed enterprises in retail, banking and other vertical
industries,” said Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega.
Time will tell if Iomega can dominate in what is already a
crowded market or if Iomega’s product launch will create a price war among
competitors, such as Netgear, DLink, Buffalo Technologies, Hawking Technologies
and several others. Either way, one thing is certain: storage is getting less
expensive for small and medium businesses, fueling backup, archival and
analytics technologies as well.
/ 4 
