Iomega upgrades StorCenter ix2 NAS server
The new StorCenter ix2-200 from Iomega.
(Credit: Iomega)If you like the StorCenter ix2 NAS server, Iomega has some news for you.
The company announced Thursday the next generation of the server, the Iomega StorCenter ix2-200. This is a dual-bay NAS server that can be set up in RAID 1 configuration for data protection.
Like the previous version, the new server doesn't offer a quick way to replace the hard drive. You will have to use quite a bit of screwdriving work to get this done, which means no hot-swapping, either. Some other two-bay NAS servers, such as the QNAP TS-239 Pro, offer a tool-free way to do this. The new Iomega NAS server also lacks an eSATA port for external storage.
To make up for this, it has Bluetooth support, which has been the unique feature of Iomega NAS servers, and comes with three USB ports that can be used with both USB external hard drives and printers. The server is powered by EMC's Linux-based proprietary firmware, which offers a generous set of network storage features, including:
- iSCSI block-level access and Windows Active Directory support
- A front panel QuikTransfer button for easy copying of selected files
- Multiple IP security camera support for a complete surveillance system
- VMware certification for virtualization installations
- Support for both DLNA and UPnP AV Media Server standard
- Support OS X's Time Machine for Mac backups
- Built-in torrent support for file-sharing without the need for a dedicated PC
- Remote over-the-Internet access
Iomega also claims the StorCenter ix2-200 consumes less power than previous models. The server automatically spins the hard drive down when it's idle and comes with an Energy Star-certified power supply.
The new 1TB StorCenter ix2-200 NAS appliance is available now and costs $270 for the 1TB version and $370 for the 2TB version. The 4TB model, which will be available later this month, will cost $670. All versions of the StorCenter ix2-200 are backed by a three-year warranty.
Dong Ngo is a CNET editor who covers networking and network storage, and writes about anything else he finds interesting. You can also listen to his podcast at insidecnetlabs.cnet.com. E-mail Dong. 
