SMB Networks

Wireless gear, server appliances, storage tools

By Christine Burns and Keith Shaw, Network World, 02/23/04

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Winning company: IntraDyn
Winning product: RocketVault

Last year saw three themes in the small-business technology market: back-up and data protection, all-in-one server appliances and 802.11g wireless LANs.

Our winner comes from the first area - back-up and data protection. IntraDyn's RocketVault impressed us for its ability to back up clients and servers automatically, and send specified data off site (see review). The shoebox-sized device includes 240G bytes of capacity (up to 1T byte on higher models) and comes close to providing enterprise-class server back-up automation at small-business prices.

In November 2003, IntraDyn launched rack-mount versions of the RocketVault, in 1U and 2U sizes. The new models offer Serial Advanced Tape Attachment disk-to-disk RAID 5 back-up and archiving technology, and range in storage capacity from 640G bytes to 4T bytes. Pricing for the 1U starts at about $5,000, with the 2U device starting at about $11,000.

"RocketVault creates a new category in backup products," writes Lab Alliance member James Gaskin. "Existing tape systems are cheaper, but not automatic. Existing back-up client software for sending files automatically to servers is cheap, but doesn't offer offsite storage. RocketVault combines the speed and capacity of disk-based backup with the secure offsite storage option of tape."

In the WLAN space, three products suitably impressed us, although when we tested them the final 802.11g standard had yet to be finalized. Still, we liked D-Link Systems’ AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624 four-port Wireless Router for its outstanding performance and range; Belkin’s 54g Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway Router for its ease of installation and management; and Linksys’ WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router for its consistency across different wireless modes (802.11b, g or “mixed mode” b/g). Other products that made the finalist list include Microsoft’s Small Business Server 2003, a substantial improvement over SBS 2000 that should satisfy the needs of small offices with multiple PCs but no central file server or IT support; and Toshiba’s Magnia SG30 Wireless Mobility Server, an all-in-one appliance that wraps server functions, backup, WLAN access point and portal access in an attractive chassis.

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