Axis communications enahances CD/DVD NAS sharing

Leaf Industries, the sole value-added distributor in Africa for Axis Communications, today announced that Axis Communications has made sharing and accessing CD/DVD titles over the network even simpler with the release of the AXIS StorPointDISCO 2.00.

This free client software, which allows any user to see and access all networked CD/DVDs automatically through a folder on the desktop, now includes an Application Launcher and additional management features.

DISCO takes full advantage of the AXIS StorPoint CD Network Attached Storage server family, which provides a cost- effective way to network CD/DVDs without requiring a file server or PC. These industry leading servers are available as part of a complete product from leading storage solution providers, including Excel Computer, SMS Data Products, JES Hardware Solutions and Cutting Edge.

"DISCO software has been very popular with our customers because it lets users see in one simple folder any CD/DVD titles available anywhere on the network, eliminating the need to map drives and hunt for information through the network structure on different servers," said Ross Orwin, Business Manager for Axis Communication products at Leaf Industries. "Axis has an excellent history of providing free and seamless upgrades that allow our clients to protect their existing investments while continuing to add expanded capabilities that address their application needs."

Features are User and Administrator Friendly

Even if the titles are moved to a different location, the AXIS StorPoint DISCO 2.00 automatically locates and shows all CD/DVD titles on the network upon boot-up. Users can drag- and-drop their most often used discs to a "favourites" folder located on their desktops. The 2.00 release builds on this capability by adding:

Application Launcher - A simple and powerful tool that allows applications to be customised and launched from anywhere on the network. Launch objects can be created that take a user step-by-step through an application start-up, displaying relevant message boxes, parameter lists and file selection dialog boxes.

Client Server Set-up - Allows network administrators to organise titles and pre-stage launch objects into public folders that users can then select. The administrator can perform these set-ups remotely without user interaction.

Multiple Mapping of Discs - Allows logical groups of discs to be mapped at the same time, simplifying user access. For instance, if a user accesses a disc in a suite of five, all five discs are mapped simultaneously and treated as one virtual drive.

The new software is loaded through an installation wizard for Microsoft Windows 95/98, NT or 2000 clients. No server- based software is required.