Iomega adds smaller VMware certified NAS to their lineup

Iomega just added a second NAS product to their portfolio that has been certified for use as a VMware storage server. Like the StorCenter IX4-200d released in August, this appliance can be used both as an NFS and iSCSI server; the VMware certification is valid for both, according to Iomega’s press release.

Iomega StorCenter IX2

In terms of features, the device is an interesting mix of features for both home users and small businesses. In fact, I doubt Iomega themselves know what market segment this device is meant for; on the one hand, it includes features such as a BitTorrent client and a photo browser that are nice gimmicks for home users, but would most likely be blocked for business use. On the other hand, there’s advanced features such as NAS services, Active Directory integration, iSCSI, replication and more that appear to be targeting corporate users.

For the features offered, the unit is surprisingly affordable; depending on where you look in the press release, it’s either “less than €270″ or just plain €249. 2TB and 4TB models are available for €339 and €699. For that price, you receive a 2-disk NAS that supports “user replaceable drives” (no word on hot swap capabilities though), a gigabit ethernet connection, three USB ports for extra expansion, and a 1 GHz CPU.

Related posts:

1. Iomega offers SMB NAS appliance with VMware certification
2. 3PAR adds VMware backup and management tools
3. Toshiba adds smaller SSDs to their product lineup
4. Isilon get VMware Ready status
5. EMC and VMware expanding their cooperation