Features - Storage Innovations:

FIA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF POPnetserver 4600

FIA Inc (First Intelligent Array) has announced its new POPnetserver 4600 family of Network-Attached Storage (NAS) systems that are designed to support up to 1TB of storage capacity in a 1U form factor. The new systems incorporate a multitude of performance features including caching, load balancing, and high bandwidth using dual Gigabit Ethernet or Fiber Gigabit networking. FIA's POPnetserver 4600's built-in 400 MHz front side bus supports Intel's latest Celeron and Pentium 4 processors, and fast DDR PC2100 RAM memory. The system also includes the latest ATA 100/133 controller technology.

The POPnetserver 4600 offers high availability and expansion features including four front-load hot swappable drives, RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 5 plus hot spare and dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN. The device also supports local tape backup using Ultra SCSI 160 technology. Additional tape backup solutions include support for VERITAS, CA BrightStor, and Dantz Retrospect. Security features include support for Microsoft's ADS and ACL. The new POPnetserver 4600 is now shipping for a price starting at $1,699.

"In keeping with our goal to provide customers with value-based NAS solutions, the POPnetserver 4600 NAS server from FIA delivers cost-effective storage that can be deployed quickly and easily on a local area network, saving time and money for businesses with limited IT resources," said Ben Marchak, FIA Director of Sales. "Additionally, no other NAS appliance on the market, with the multitude of features of the POPnetserver 4600, is offered at an entry-level price of $1,699. The POPnetserver provides high-performance, and high-capacity storage and low total cost of ownership."

The system's four hot-swap, front-load removable drives offer expandable storage from 160GB to 1TB in a 1U form factor. The POPnetserver's uses Intel's Celeron 1.7 or P4 2GHz CPU, 256MB or 512GB RAM, and 7,200 RPM disk drive technology. The system comes standard with two NICs (one 10/100 and one 10/100/100) Ethernet ports, and supports an option for an additional 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet or Fiber Gigabit port. Using dual Gigabit, the POPnetserver provides load balancing and higher transmission rates for more efficient data access on the network.

In addition, the system supports heterogeneous network environments, including Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, Linux, Unix, Apple, and Netware. Storage management is provided by the POPassist software, which comes pre-packaged with all POPnetserver models. The new POPnetserver is designed for small- and medium-sized business and enterprise departments and workgroups. All products are backed by FIA's skilled customer service and support organization.

The POPnetserver 4600 is available for purchase directly from FIA or through select distributors and resellers including, Aberdeen LCC, a leading direct marketer of network solutions, computers, and computer hardware; and Premio Computer Inc, a leading PC, workstation and server manufacturer who offers the product through its e-commerce and value-added reseller (VAR) channels, reaching the business, education and government markets in the United States and Latin America. The POPnetserver is also available through leading e-Commerce Web sites for PC hardware, including PC Connection and Insight Direct in Canada.

Available now, the POPnetserver 4600 suggested retail price for model 160GB is $1,699, model 320GB is $2,199, model 480GB is $2,599, model 720GB is $3,499, and model 1TB for $4,599, respectively. Reseller pricing will vary, and special discounts are available for quantity purchases. The POPnetserver 4600 models replace the POPnetserver 4500 models.