Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS brings enterprise chops to home, small business [review]
Backup may not be sexy, but Iomega's refreshed StorCenter ix-200 network-attached storage device brings home and small business users enterprise features and capable simplicity for a decidedly consumer price.
Back in October 2008, Iomega introduced its StorCenter ix-200, a blocky NAS device that offered an iTunes-compatible media server, printer sharing and optional Bluetooth file transfers and -- for small businesses -- CCTV recording, for a competitive price.
Last October, after enterprise giant EMC acquired the company, Iomega gave its popular StorCenter ix-200 a new, refined look and refreshed hardware capabilities.
But it was more than a simple refresh. Really, Iomega solved nearly every problem the previous generation had.
WHAT'S NEW
The first thing you'll notice is that Iomega gave the PC, Mac and Linux-compatible StorCenter much-needed attention in the looks department to better attract home and business users. Now with a brushed aluminum look and curved edges, the ix-200 looks much better perched on a shelf.
Inside, it sports a faster processor (1GHz Marvell, with 256MB of memory), dual user-replaceable, spin-down-capable (but not hot-swappable) SATA II drives, Apple Time Machine support and a new "QuikTransfer" button that can be programmed to act on whatever files you specify.
WHO IT'S FOR
The StorCenter ix2-200 is aimed at the SOHO, or small office (less than 25 employees) and home office crowd.
The problem with these folks? Many don't remember or bother to do data backup.
As anyone who owns one knows, an NAS device is far more capable than an external hard drive, with the ability to handle photos, videos, music, torrent downloads, disk to disk replication, automated backup and pretty much anything you'd want in a smart "hub" at the center of your home or business.
So I took a model home and approached it from the point of a novice. Can I set it up without diving into the instruction manual?
SETUP
From the get-go, setting up the tank-like ix-200 was easy. I simply plugged the power cord into the wall and the network cable into my router and turned it on. (You'll also find three USB 2.0 ports -- one in front, two in the back.)
Iomega promises a four-step setup process, and the ix-200 comes with a CD with StorCenter Manager software to do so. After it's installed, the software scans the network for the device, helps you create an administrator account and configures the device, which required a single device -- but not computer -- restart.
That's it. It's that easy.
From there, you have most functions at your disposal. Here's the home screen:
True to its name, the dashboard is the best way to get a quick glance at everything:
The disks are set up in a RAID 1 mirror by default. (You can disable the RAID setup and run it as JBOD instead.)
More advanced users would find comfort in the settings tab, which offers a control panel of all the ix-200's capabilities.
For home users, that's the media streaming capabilities, torrent downloads and perhaps remote access using Mozy.
For business users, that's the iSCSI block-level access, device-to-device replication (for multiple units), Windows Active Directory support and RAID 1 configuration.
I'll run through the options briefly.
WHAT'S INSIDE
Backup and Restore: Backup is entirely automatic using "copy jobs." Just set the source and destination, set the schedule and specify the type (new, modified) of file to import. Several copy jobs can be set up at once -- for example, if you own multiple drives. That versatility allows you to slice your backup strategy any way you want.
Speaking of copy jobs, the QuikTransfer button can be assigned a job and used even when your computer is off. By assigning the button to, say, a specific folder that holds critical work documents you always need on the road, you can always carry up-to-date files on your USB flash drive.
Date and Time: Can be configured here.
Device Setup: Initial setup can be accessed from here.
Disks: You can change the RAID configuration of the unit here. I left mine active, which made for slower transfers. You can also securely erase data from this window.
Email Notification: Great for small businesses where up-time is essential.
Event Log: Big Brother without the legwork, you can find all your drive's actions here. You can download the log as a .txt file.
External Storage: The ix-2 can make up to three external storage devices available on the network.
Groups: Manage shared access from here.
iSCSI: You can find iSCSI, iSNS, and Mutual CHAP capabilities here. That means VMware vSphere (and older) Virtual Infrastructure platforms, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 with Hyper-V and Citrix XenServer server.
Languages: Pick from eleven languages.
Media Service: Stream all your photos, music and video using this option, thanks to the ix2-200 being a UPnP and DLNA-certified media server. In my tests, this worked like a charm. For business users, you can also add up to five security surveillance cameras to view and record footage.
Network Service: The ix2 supports AFP, Bluetooth, NFS, rsync, SNMP, and CIFS file sharing protocols.
Power Management: The ix2 only powers on its fan when necessary. You can also adjust the indicator brightness level, a minor option that I find quite useful when watching a movie in the same room.
Printers: The ix2 can place a standard printer available on the network from here.
Quotas: Manage space limits on specific folders from here.
Remote Access: When chosen, the ix2 registers a web address with Dynamic DNS provider TZO, allowing you to access your files remotely.
Search: Can be performed here.
Security: From here, you can assign users on your network an ID and password and set access permissions for the ix2 -- including read/write privileges for individual folders on the drive. It's quite versatile.
Torrent Download: The ix2 ships with a built-in torrent client, and you can set torrents to either leech or seed without requiring your computer to be on.
Update: Keep your ix2 up to date here.
THE TOYBOX TAKE
As more homes and small businesses set up networks, hopefully they'll also realize the value in a simple-to-set up, easy-to-maintain NAS device. I think it's clear that the ix2 has proven its aptitude in this area.
It takes about five minutes to set up, and can be customized as necessary for basic or more advanced (it's VMware certified) use.
In fact, setup and use was so simple that there isn't much to say except that the Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 leaves external hard drives in the dust when it comes to smart, simplified backup.
You hear that, small business folks?
It runs cool to the touch, quiet and it's compact enough to put almost anywhere. It's not blazing fast -- disks spin at 5,900 RPM and settings updates aren't finger-snap fast -- but it gets the job done.
EMC's enterprise know-how shows through in this device, too. It's a nice contrast: the EMC LifeLine environment offers users comprehensive options, and the Iomega styling and interface won't scare away NAS newbies.
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities and retails for $269.99, $369.99 and $699.99, respectively.