LaCie announced that it is now shipping the 2big Network, a next-generation RAID device that provides up to 2TB of professional storage. Designed to satisfy the sharing and backup needs of a small office environment, the 2big Network offers a unique solution with a Gigabit Ethernet interface and two disks that can be “mirrored” to ensure data integrity, or “merged” to allow maximum capacity. Remote access allows users to instantly and securely obtain all files stored on the 2big Network situated at the office, with any Internet connection.
The 2big Network ships with the new LaCie Ethernet Agent that enables easy configuration in any situation, but also simplifies data access by offering shortcuts for users to their shared and mapped drives. An intuitive web-based administration page allows highly customized permissions at shares, groups and users levels. Compatible with Windows, Mac or Linux operating systems, the device is universally acceptable and can sit on any network as a usable storage device. Should additional network capacity be needed, up to two USB hard drives can be attached.
With a click of a switch, the 2big Network can be initialized in SAFE 100 (RAID 1) mode, which automatically mirrors data across the two hot-swappable disks or BIG mode, which combines the two drives together. If one drive fails in RAID 1 configuration, the data will remain available and will automatically be rebuilt on to a new spare drive without the need to shutdown.
Available in 1, 1.5 or 2 terabyte versions, the 2big Network was created for LaCie by Neil Poulton and features an attractive natural cooling heat sink metal design with a thermoregulated progressive smart fan to ensure long-lasting reliability and quiet operation. The 2big Network can be rackmounted, placed horizontally, or stood vertically to conform to any office environment. The 2big Network also features a 1-click data-sharing button. Simply plug a USB key into one of the two USB slots, press the large glowing blue button on the front and the information will be copied over to its own folder on the 2big for automatic sharing with colleagues.
The LaCie 2big Network is available now at the suggested retail price starting at $399.
Press Release Source: LaCie.
