Linux Midrange Storage In A Snap
Snap Appliance, once a division of Quantum, is on it own fighting the NAS wars with a Linux-based system. The Snap Server 4500 doesn't cost much but packs plenty of high-end features.
The 4500 takes only about an inch of space in a standard data-center rack and has an Intel Pentium 4 processor running on the Linux-based GuardianOS from Snap. Despite that, it supports the Microsoft Active Directory Service, the Unix Information Service, and the Simple Network Management Protocol for accessing and managing any clients.
Besides moving files very quickly, the 4500 can also be a platform for backup and recovery. Customers can take snapshot copies of data while files are still moving across the network. Server-to-server synchronization could let them more quickly recover information after an outage. The Snap Server 4500 also comes loaded with eTrust Antivirus software from Computer Associates, so customers don't have to manually struggle with virus attacks so much.
The Snap Server 4500 is offered in two capacities and prices: 480 Gbytes for $4,295 and 720 Gbytes for $5,795. Customers should able to buy the 4500 later this week.
Gartner analyst Pushan Rinnen says customers love the simplicity and low cost from Snap. "A Windows-based NAS system has a stripped-down version of the operating system, but it's still not as simple," she says. "And each Snap comes with built-in client snapshots for free." Those client snapshots back up user information over the network while the user is working.
This story courtesy of InformationWeek.