Ximeta offers low-cost storage

NEWS
Those who want to sample networked storage on the cheap might keep an eye out for the NetDisk from Ximeta Technology. The start-up is using the NetWorld+Interop trade show in Las Vegas to launch a portable hard drive that plugs directly into an Ethernet network. The same drive also can be taken off the network and attached to a single PC as a USB 2.0 hard drive. The idea, says Ximeta president Edward Park, is to offer a portable drive that can be used by a whole work group in the office and then be taken home. Prices range from $269 (about £169) for an 80GB drive to $399 for a 160GB drive. Ximeta calls the concept a "Network Direct Attached Storage" device, further blurring the lines between storage that is connected to a PC or a server and attached to a network. While most networked storage uses speedy, but expensive Fibre Channel networks, the NetDisk can plug directly into an Ethernet switch. "We just opened the technology to everybody," Park boasted. In theory, such a drive could even plug into a home network, creating the frightening prospect of a new buzzword: the "Home Storage Area Network." Although the NetDisk has a low price tag, it also has its drawbacks. The NetDisk doesn't use standard Internet protocols, meaning that any PC that wants to use the drive needs to install special software. Also, it is not yet available. Park said that the company hopes to have the device on store shelves by June.
Everybody needs storage. And almost every week some company manages to squeeze more storage into less space for a lower price. For the latest news, reviews and price checks on everything from USB flash cards and PC Card hard disks to storage area networks, see ZDNet UK's Storage News Section. Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom.

Talkback

"The idea, says Ximeta president Edward Park, is to offer a portable drive that can be used by a whole work group in the office and then be taken home."

I'm returning this to CompUsa as fast as possible. This device is useless in a networking environment. In addition to the drivers having to be installed on each workgroup PC (XP and 2000 only...), ONLY 1 PC can have read and write access to it at one time. Each time a user claims the read / write access from another, the disk disappears from the others computer entirely. I couldn't co-exist with my wife in this sort of setting, let alone a workgroup in a office setting, where people would be shouting across the room, "hey you got everything saved? I'm about to claim the drive". You might as well pass a firewire or USB drive between you, at least it's faster that way.

via Facebook 30 July, 2003 20:54
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