Imation Corp. introduced the first 500GB native capacity cartridge to its line of RDX removable disk cartridges. The RDX system, a low-end tape replacement solution, is designed to provide small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with easy and reliable backup, data security and expandable storage. The new 500GB cartridge is the largest available capacity for any removable hard disk solution in use today.

"Imation prides itself on pushing the technology envelope for our users and providing the SMB market with the largest, fastest-performing and cost-effective solution in the market today," said Subodh Kulkarni, vice president, Global Commercial Business, R&D and Manufacturing, Imation. "It is our job to anticipate customer demand and help drive the technology to meet those dynamic storage needs. We are thrilled to extend our RDX offerings to a half terabyte solution to do just that."

Now featuring the largest capacity available today, each RDX disk cartridge houses a high-capacity mobile 2.5-inch hard disk drive in a shock-resistant design to allow the cartridge to sustain a fall from up to one meter. The cartridge is inserted into a dock, which can be connected internally through USB or SATA or externally with USB. The fast transfer rate of up to 45MB/second reduces the typical data backup window from hours to seconds, allowing the user to back up 150GB of data in less than an hour. Unlike tape, which winds sequentially to read data, RDX technology accesses the files in milliseconds, allowing for instant data retrieval. Users protect their technology investment simply by choosing the RDX cartridge capacities now ranging from 80GB to 500GB, which suit their specific applications.

"As a leader in removable storage technology, we have paved an RDX product roadmap that keeps pace with ever-changing customer storage needs," said Steve Georgis, Chief Executive Officer, ProStor Systems. "Once again, we've partnered with Imation to extend our RDX offering into the half-terabyte range offering unmatched capacity, reliability and speed in a proven solution."

A complete data protection solution, the RDX system also includes fully-functioning EMC Retrospect software. The award-winning software installs in minutes and delivers fast backups, accurate restores and full disaster recovery with minimal manual effort or expertise. Further, EMC Retrospect offers government-certified 256-bit AES encryption, the highest level of protection available today.

Imation's RDX Removable Hard Disk Cartridge will be available in June for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $549.99.

For additional information about Imation's RDX solution