Intel`s network storage solution available through Annex

The Intel Entry Storage System SS4000-E, a network-attached storage (NAS) system designed for affordable data protection and management, is available to the local market through Annex Distribution.

The SS4000-E is powered by Intel XScale technology and supports up to four SATA hard disk drives. It uses RAID levels 10, 5 or 1, to provide robust data protection for NAS.

"The solution is an ideal investment for entrepreneurs with limited resources, especially those managing start-up operations, who are obliged to meet stringent corporate and technical requirements," comments Shaun Welgemoed, Intel Product Manager at Annex Distribution.

Ease-of-use, affordability and the promise of effective data management have captured the attention of the market, more specifically operations within the SoHo and medium business segment.

Users are able to maintain a close eye on the business and avoid complications with secure real-time access to critical working documents, company database information and financial records.

"This means higher levels of productivity and enhanced customer relationship management. Let us use the example of a small advertising agency. If the product is implemented within this very busy, user-intensive and high data exchange environment, it would allow designers to store and easily access large graphic files without any delay. Files can be easily shared and are not placed in any risk in terms of loss or damage due to hardware failure," explains Welgemoed.

The SS4000-E manages shared files by user names or groups, and features a NAS system with system backup, remote boot and system recovery.

Data storage and management is currently the subject of much deliberation. Databases are growing exponentially and networks are running a number of applications, including multimedia, and this has given rise to the need for security and stability. Compliance with legislation is also a factor behind the scrutiny and focus, adds Welgemoed.

"The Intel Entry Storage System SS4000-E is designed to make storage easier for small businesses and give them peace of mind that their data is protected. Storage is one of the fastest-growing segments within IT, and with the SS4000-E we can offer our resellers a world-class platform on which they can build the best storage solutions for their customers. We are convinced that the Intel Storage System SS4000-E represents a major opportunity for existing server customers to make a move into the growing storage market segment with a product that has leading price performance figures for entry-level applications, file sharing and backup restore," adds Welgemoed.

Intel`s SS4000-E can act as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server and/or as a DHCP client for easy navigation. Other noteworthy features include a user-friendly Web interface for setting up users and access rights, a built-in FTP-server for high-speed file transfers and Web-based management provides system information for disk usage, service status, RAID, system log and current connections.

"In addition, sophisticated consumers are using digital home technologies to share entertainment, download photo libraries, digital music, and videos and games - all of which can rapidly fill up standard hard drives. This is an opportunity for resellers to expand their services and provide families with the ability to centrally store and protect their vital digital information," Welgemoed concludes.