LaCie Unveils Centralized Backup Server for Windows® and Mac® Office Environments

Today LaCie announced a customized, resource-efficient, backup server for small office environments – the LaCie 5big Backup Server. Housed in the award-winning LaCie 5big enclosure, the new backup appliance allows small companies to benefit from an enterprise-grade centralized backup solution that fits into any office environment – without requiring deployment efforts or specialized IT skills.

Leveraging the high performance of the 64-bit Intel Atom processor and the usability of Microsoft’s Windows Home Server software, the LaCie 5ig Backup Server provides seamless setup and automatic backup for small businesses. It can support configurations of up to 10 PC and 25 Mac workstations simultaneously. The server includes five hot-swappable hard disks with capacities up to 10TB – and is scalable with its USB and eSATA connections.

Tailored for centralized backup and data protection, the LaCie 5big Backup Server features system block level backup deduplication, as well as file level restore capabilities. Whether users experience unexpected file loss or require an entire system restore, the LaCie 5big Backup Server ensures all data can be recovered. For businesses that experience a crashed workstation, the server can initiate a bare metal restore, enabling a boot and complete system and data recovery.

“For small businesses, backing up data is vital. Until now, storage solutions that efficiently protect and manage heterogeneous environments have been cumbersome, cost-prohibitive and difficult to configure” said Erwan Girard, LaCie Solutions Business Unit Manager. “LaCie has partnered with industry-leading companies to provide a full-featured professional backup server that will automatically configure and back up PCs and Mac computers for a fraction of the cost.”

“LaCie is a leading storage manufacturer that believes that simple and intuitive usability is not just for the home, but also for small businesses,” said Mike Schutz, Microsoft Director of Product Management. “The combination of LaCie’s 5big Backup Server and Microsoft’s robust Windows Home Server platform allows users to take mission-critical advantage of technology originally designed for corporate use, and make it available in their home or small business without the need for corporate-sized IT budgets.”

Unlike many small business servers, LaCie’s 5big Backup Server is fully compatible with Mac systems and environments through its support for AFP, Spotlight®, and the AppleTalk® stack for legacy applications. Additionally, it is compatible with Time Machine. Administrators will appreciate having a centralized backup appliance for cross-platform management for access rights and automatic backup and restore.

LaCie’s 5big Backup Server uses the Intel Atom processor D410, a small, power-efficient chip that has been combined with the Intel 82801IR I/O Controller to deliver the processing performance and input/output connectivity required to meet the needs of small businesses.

“Small businesses need highly efficient professional backup solutions that are quieter and easier to use,” said David Tuhy, general manager, Intel Storage Group. “LaCie’s 5big Backup Server with the energy-efficient performance of the Intel Atom processor delivers advanced storage features in a compact high-capacity appliance that can be quickly deployed.”

For small businesses, the 5big Backup Server is one of the most powerful, easy to manage backup solutions available. In addition, it has a minimal environmental impact through its recyclable aluminum casing, and power optimization: advanced power management, power-efficient processor and Level V power supply for efficiency. Additionally, the LaCie 5big Backup Server houses an ultra-quiet Noctua fan, allowing businesses to place the product wherever they choose – including a desktop.

Availability
The 5big Backup Server is available in a number of capacities and includes a three-year warranty. For users who require real-time hardware replacement, they can purchase LaCie’s Advance Care Option. The server is available through the LaCie Store Online, LaCie Storage Partner and LaCie Reseller+, starting at the suggested retail price of $1,199.99. For more information, visit www.lacie.com.

About LaCie
With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of storage devices for PC, Apple, and Linux. LaCie has differentiated itself through sleek design and remarkable technical performance. Find out more about our products at www.lacie.com.