EMC Corp.'s Iomega Corp. unit yesterday introduced its next-generation quad-drive desktop NAS server, which offers a storage capacity of up to 8TB, iSCSI connectivity for block-level data transfer, multiple RAID configurations and remote access and management capabilities.

The Iomega StorCenter ix4-200d NAS server, based on EMC's AX line of low-end arrays, runs on Linux and can be set up in in a few minutes via four mouse clicks, according to the company.

The previous StorCenter NAS array model, the ix2 NAS server, came in 1TB and 2TB models, and included online file sharing capabilities.

The new StorCenter ix4 model also offers online file sharing and comes in 2TB, 4TB and 8TB configurations. It supports RAID 5 (pre-configured) and RAID 10 (both with automatic RAID rebuild), as well as JBOD. The box comes with two gigabit Ethernet ports and three USB 2.0 ports for adding printers or additional storage capacity, Iomega said.

With a starting price tag of $US699.99, the new NAS appliance is targeted at small businesses, distributed offices and home office networks that may require some of the more advanced data storage and protection features of higher-end boxes, but can's support storage systems with dedicated IT personnel.

The StorCenter ix4 comes with device-to-device replication to network targets for business continuity and file recovery, Windows Active Directory support, IP security camera support, a new front panel LCD and QuikTransfer button for one-touch copying of selected files. The array also supports VMware virtualization technology.

"From device-to-device replication and iSCSI support to dual Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, VMware certification and other innovative and user-friendly features, the ix4-200d is an excellent yet affordable NAS appliance that gives smaller organizations and work groups not only cost-effective powerful network storage but many of the same sophisticated data management capabilities as a Fortune 100 corporation that no competitor can match." said Iomega president Jonathan Huberman in a statement.

The ix4 works in Windows, Linux and Mac environments with network protocol support including CIFS/SMB/Rally, NFS, and AFP/Bonjour.

The ix4-200d also supports more advanced protocols such as HTTP, FTP and SNMP.

The array comes with EMC LifeLine software, which is designed for cross-platform support with PC, Mac and Linux computers, and it is compatible with Apple Time Machine backup technology.

The 2TB StorCenter ix4-200d NAS appliance is now available for $699.99, the 4TB model is $899.99, and the 8TB model is $1,899.99.