Gadgets and Gizmos

eSATA based RAID 5 system by Netcom

NetCom introduced its NR5-4, an external Serial ATA (eSATA)-based storage system capable of working as a hardware-based RAID Level 5 array. Pricing starts at $1,949. The NR5-4 is a desktop-based four drive system capable of storing up to 3.0 terabytes (TB) of data. Compatible with Macs, PCs and Linux systems, it connects to the host computer using eSATA (available on Mac Pro systems using an add-on peripheral interface card, available from NetCom).

eSATA based NR5-4 system will accommodate four drives for up to 3TB of storage in a RAID 5 configuration, something the company claims to be an industry first. If RAID 5 isn’t your thing, you can set things up in your choice of RAID 0 or 10 configurations as well, and you’ll be able to keep an eye on the goings on thanks to the unit’s backlit display. The new NR5-4 model series incorporates the latest serial ATA drive technology – and comes with hot-swappable SATA drives.

The NR5-4 systems support RAID levels 0, 5 and 10 for high erformance and data protection. They’re ideal for workgroups, departments and small businesses that need to add or consolidate storage and provide high levels of data protection. The systems include PCI host adapters, matched to a customer’s needs, to connect them to network servers and desktop computers.

Their eSATA host interfaces provide up to 6 times the throughput performance of competing USB2 or Fire wire® (IEEE-1394) based systems. The NR5-4 systems are also ideal for adding protected, low-cost, storage for network servers, digital video editing workstations, digital photo storage, and high speed backup applications. The unit is only 8.13-inches high and 11.28-inches deep, making it very easy to deploy.

“Getting 3 terabytes of raw storage capacity in a small desktop platform at an affordable price is an important consideration for many of our clients,” said William Long of Digital Microware, a systems integrator and storage consulting firm. “Add in NetCom’s excellent pricing, and the NR5-4 systems represent value that is unrivaled in the storage industry.” These new data storage systems are supplied with software drivers that support several operating systems, including Mac OSX®, Vista®, Windows® and Linux®.

They also include front mounted LCD’s and keypads for easy setup and status monitoring, 1 meter host cables, and 1 year comprehensive warranties. Network based remote monitoring, with email notification, is also included for Window based environments.