Aiming at enhancing the overall user experience with compact storage solutions, Imation has settled upon toning up the widely accepted RDX removable hard disk storage range with the powerful A8 model. The new device has been outlined to lend a helping hand to small- and medium-sized businesses.
With its foundation hitched to the industry-standard RDX storage platform, the freshly rolled out storage option tops the scale for consumers craving for top-notch performance in a compact form factor. The autoloader-like A8 features iSCSi network connectivity, up to 8 terabyte of native capacity storage using eight 1 terabyte cartridges, and table-top or 2U high rackmount configuration.
“The data storage and IT needs of a small or medium business are very similar to a large business in terms of backup, security, recovery, and archiving. Yet research shows that few SMBs back up critical company data regularly, if at all,†commented Subodh Kulkarni, chief technology officer and senior vice president, Imation. “Imation’s RDX portfolio offers an easy-to-implement solution. With a lower total cost of ownership compared to entry-level tape-based systems, forward and backward compatibility, interface flexibility, and high performance, the versatility of an RDX system helps SMB customers establish a data storage and protection strategy that can keep pace with capacity growth demands.”
The first half of this year will observe the company’s A8 multi-carriage storage solution embedding the ability to hold up to eight RDX cartridges of interchangeable capacities. Augmenting the functionality level is its remote management interface and enterprise-class throughput.
“It also helps protect valuable business information and meet important legal requirements. We are pleased that 2011 Storage Visions has selected Imation as a finalist in its ‘Visionary Company’ award as a reflection of Imation’s continued commitment to expand its RDX offerings to meet the critical data storage needs of business users,†added Kulkarni.
In addition to this A8 storage model, the company’s USB 3.0 interface for single cartridge internal and external RDX docking stations, with HDD-drive data delivers transfer rates up to three to four times faster. Here, the comparison has been drawn with USB 2.0.
The company is now deeming over additional 2011 RDX roadmap investments in the areas of elevated cartridge capacities, improved cloud storage applications, scalable and efficient storage, and government-grade (FIPS) security features.
The pricing and availability details pertaining to Imation’s A8 and USB 3.0 docking station are anticipated to be revealed in early Q2, 2010.
