Seagate Technology has just released a firmware update for its BlackArmor line of network attached storage (NAS) solutions, which target small and home office (SOHO) and Microsoft Windows Server users.
BlackArmor is Seagate’s line of centralized network storage solutions designed for small businesses. The BlackArmor servers come in two, four, six and eight terabyte capacities and are meant to help companies optimize their uptime and simplify data management processes.
The new firmware update includes several new product enhancements, including support for Windows Server 2008, which enables users to integrate BlackArmor with Microsoft’s Active Directory service, three times faster NAS to USB backup performance and an updated recycle bin management and search function, to name a few things.
Charles King, president and principal analyst at Hayward, Calif.-based research firm, Pund-IT Inc., said these enhancements help address small business needs.
“Windows Server 2008 is the server environment of choice for companies of this size (small),” King said.
Seagate’s NAS products compete in the market with similar solutions from vendors such as Western Digital and Iomega, King explained.
King said BlackArmor is ideal for small businesses with no more than 50 employees, or can be used in remote office environments.
“For the majority of small businesses, ease of use and simplicity of management are critical issues,” King explained. “These companies want and need products that are easy to use and administer because in most cases, these companies don’t have dedicated IT staff.”
When it comes to storage and backup, King said Seagate BlackArmor would do well as a standalone backup product for desktops, when used in conjunction with other company-wide backup processes.
The BlackArmor NAS 110, 220 and 440 and 420 products will be eligible for a free firmware download from Seagate’s Web site. The firmware update is now available on Seagate.com.
