High-end NAS in Iomega's product range
The new StorCenter model could be the king of network repositories.
The know-how of the StorCenter "ix4-200d" with the not-so-sounding name goes far beyond that of a network data store with average capabilities, so it can be used to replace several separate devices. Among the extra services, it is worth highlighting the possibility of cooperation with Axis brand IP cameras, through which their recordings can be transferred directly to the hard drives of the StorCenter, since the process does not require a computer connection. Another attractive feature is the printer server function, thanks to which it is possible to share a maximum of 3 devices within the network. Additional hard drives can be inserted into the system through the same USB ports, but given the device's capacity of up to 8 TB, this will probably not be necessary. The "QuickTransfer" function is also a useful additional service, thanks to which data stored on connected USB drives, external hard drives, or other NAS devices can be backed up with the press of a single button, without using a computer. Another good news is that you can also browse the storage media using the StorCenter, as the engineers equipped it with a small LCD display.
Among the technologies supported by the device, there are many interesting things: in addition to the "Active Directory" and "TimeMachine" standards common in the category, the StorCenter also boasts VMware compatibility and UPnP protocol management; thanks to the latter, the device can also be used well in a home environment, since devices connected to the local network and with DLNA authentication can easily access the files stored on the data storage. As an interesting point, it is also worth mentioning the knowledge of PTP, i.e. the "Picture Transfer Protocol": with the help of this technology, images can be copied from the digital camera connected to the device with a single button press, and this time there is no need for the assistance of a computer. By the way, the StorCenter can also receive multimedia files from a phone, namely via an optionally available Bluetooth USB adapter.
The Iomega "ix4-200d" equipped with a gigabit Ethernet connector is not a cheap toy, but the $4 (HUF 8) purchase price of the 1900 TB version capable of accommodating 319 hard drives is more than offset by the abundant knowledge base and the high degree of reliability expected from the manufacturer. As a cost-effective solution, the company also markets the same model in a 2 TB version, which, with a purchase price of around 700 dollars (131 forints), can be an optimal choice for small office and home users.
