Dell and HP Release new NAS Devices

   Last week, computer giants Dell and HP both released new Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices that target small and midsized businesses. Dell's offerings, based on Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2003, have begun shipping, and HP's offerings will start to become available later this month.
   Dell announced a new PowerVault 745N NAS 1U (1.75") rack-mounted server, which will replace its current PowerVault 725N. The new system will offer from 160GB to 4TB of storage capacity. Customers will be able to choose Intel Celeron or Pentium 4 processors to power the new system. The system will ship with Web-based management and reporting and software for making snapshot copies of data. The PowerVault 745N storage server starts at $1799.
   HP's solutions include a new line of Serial ATA-based HP StorageWorks Modular Smart Array NAS devices scheduled to ship by July. A tape autoloader capable of storing six 72GB DAT cartridges will ship by the end of the month. HP's new small to midsized business solutions also include Storage Area Network (SAN) switches and backup systems.