14 DAY TRIAL // Network-attached storage devices are, in essence, compact computers that have only the processing power needed to manage the vast storage capacity they are endowed with. This means special operating systems, and Netgear definitely chose something of the sort.
The company decided that the newly developed ReadyNAS OS 6 operating system would work best in its new NAS portfolio.
"We designed the new ReadyNAS OS from the ground up with ease-of-use in mind, so users can confidently centralize and back up all their data," said Matt Pahnke, senior product marketing manager for NETGEAR Storage.
"Customers could not be more excited about our revolutionary ReadyCLOUD technology for cloud-based set-up, provisioning, and management. The cloud-based set-up and comprehensive, but simple-to-use interface is unlike anything else in the NAS market."
There are four ReadyNAS devices now available through reseller channels and a variety of e-commerce sites.
On the highest level, there is the ReadyNAS 500 Series (RN516xx), with support for up to 250 network users. It has a starting price of $1,299 / 1,299 Euro.
Second in performance and capacity is the four-bay ReadyNAS 2120, with a 1U form factor and, thus, suitability for rack deployment in data centers. It sells for the same as above, though the HDDs themselves will determine the final cost.
Third is the ReadyNAS 300 Series (RN312xx, RN314xx, RN316xx), with two, four and six bays. They are made for smaller networks and sell for at least $499 / 499 Euro.
Finally, there is the ReadyNAS 100 Series (RN102xx, RN104xx), for home use. It comes in two and four bays and has a minimum price of $199 / 199 Euro.
"As a photographer, my images are the foundation of my various photography businesses," explains Colby Brown, professional photographer and photo educator. "With the new ReadyNAS operating system, I don't need an entire IT department to get up and running, and the clean new interface takes all the challenges out of running effective backups of my valuable data."