Buffalo Technology (USA) Inc. announced the TeraStation iSCSI and TeraStation iSCSI Rackmount, Buffalo's newest additions to its high-performance line of SMB-focused storage devices.

The new TeraStation iSCSI will be available in two styles and three capacity levels:

• Pedestal: 1 TB (TS-I1.0TGL/R5), 2 TB (TS-I2.0TGL/R5) and 4 TB (TS-I4.0TGL/R5)
• Rackmount: 1 TB (TS-RI1.0TGL/R5), 2 TB (TS-RI2.0TGL/R5) and 4 TB (TS-RI4.0TGL/R5)

iSCSI storage targets are gaining in popularity even with small to medium sized businesses. The iSCSI protocol transports simple SCSI storage commands over standard TCP/IP networks. As a result, the iSCSI targets give servers the illusion of being locally attached disks that are directly accessible by the OS. iSCSI targets can be located anywhere on the network. In addition, multiple iSCSI targets can be consolidated into one array, providing additional or more redundant storage configurations. This makes iSCSI the ideal solution for server backup or backup strategies involving remote locations.

iSCSI appliances such as Buffalo's new TeraStation iSCSI and TeraStation Rackmount iSCSI offer SMBs the ultimate in flexibility and security for protecting remote data. Buffalo's new iSCSI TeraStation storage devices allow organizations to experience the flexibility of iSCSI SAN technology and superior throughput performance for their storage needs with the added benefit of affordability previously reserved for consumer NAS devices.

Mirroring storage resources from one data center to a remote location for hot standby availability is a good reason why more companies deploy iSCSI SAN technologies, but storage consolidation in general plays an even bigger role.

"As companies grow and move increasing amounts of data to the datacenter for consolidation or to an off-site storage location, they experience the need for flexible and intuitive storage devices that make data storage handling simple, manageable and reliable," said Takayuki Nishioka, CEO of Buffalo Technology, USA. "The new TeraStation iSCSI is a powerful SMB solution that delivers this extended functionality while still fitting into the budget of cost conscious SMB purchasers."

The TeraStation iSCSI Rackmount seamlessly integrates into any structured IT environment by mounting into a relay rack or server cabinet. The product fits standard 19" racks and occupies 2U of space. 2-post and 4-post mounting brackets are available.

For those without rack or cabinet space, the pedestal style TeraStation iSCSI is ideal. Branch offices or departments in larger organizations without dedicated server closets will benefit from this form factor.

Both units feature four quick swap hard drive trays that are conveniently located behind the screwless front bezel, protecting the high speed 7,200 RPM SATA drives while simultaneously offering easy access and drive replacement. Installation and management is a snap with the intuitive Web interface and simple setup wizard. The TeraStation iSCSI features an advanced RAID system with four RAID modes: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. A silent cooling fan helps the unit remain cool by efficiently releasing heat while a front panel LCD display indicates the status of the device. A 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface ensures that businesses can take advantage of their existing network infrastructure for effective iSCSI deployment without the need to invest in a costly Fiber Channel environment.

Backed by a limited three-year warranty and toll-free 24/7 technical support, the TeraStation iSCSI and TeraStation iSCSI Rackmount will be available in June. Estimated street prices are as follows:

Pedestal versions           

• 1TB (TS-I1.0TGL/R5) - $999    
• 2TB (TS-I2.0TGL/R5) - $1,399  
• 4TB (TS-I4.0TGL/R5) - $2,399  

Rackmount versions

• 1TB (TS-I1.0TGL/R5) - $1,099
• 2TB (TS-I2.0TGL/R5) - $1,499
• 4TB (TS-I4.0TGL/R5) - $2,499

The TeraStation iSCSI and TeraStation iSCSI Rackmount can be purchased through distributors, online resellers and Buffalo's web site.