Storage Solution For Creative Types Goes Cross-Platform

Recently joining the product mix is Applied Micro Circuits Corp.'s 3ware Sidecar desktop SATA II storage solution for PC users. First released for Apple's Power Mac G5 desktop, AMCC's latest solution includes PC support for Windows and Linux operating systems. 3ware Sidecar is an external RAID solution that increases storage capacity with advanced PCI Express architecture.

"The ubiquity of digital content applications for PC and Mac 'prosumers' has fueled demand for robust storage solutions in the midrange PC market," said Scott Cleland, director of marketing at AMCC Storage, Sunnyvale, Calif.

The company last year decided to address the Mac market, determining that it was underserved in terms of secure storage devices. According to Cleland, AMCC's success in the Mac market spurred the company to release 3ware Sidecar in a PC version. The product targets power users requiring high-performance, resilient and scalable storage.

"The 3ware Sidecar addresses [storage needs] by providing high-capacity, high-performance storage expansion with hardware RAID for the desktop," he said. "Hardware RAID in this space is not common. We are preaching our message to the channel through Web seminars and education. We're stressing that the market is underserved, and we think that this solution that will resonate with these guys."

In addition to broader OS support, 3ware Sidecar now ships with a new, low-profile PCI Express hardware RAID controller, the 3ware 9650SE-4LPME. The upgraded controller delivers RAID 5 write and read speeds of up to 200 MB per second. Also new is support for an on-board battery backup unit for up to 72 hours of additional data protection in the case of a power failure.

3ware Sidecar lists for $1,295, with disk drives not included. Distributors include Bell Microproducts, Synnex Information Technologies and D&H Distributing.