May 12th, 2009
LaCie debuts 10TB 5big Network NAS RAID; updated 2big Network device
LaCie announced yesterday updates to its ill-named but award-winning 2big Network and 5big Network in the form of improved performance, features, backup support, and expansion. As in 10 terabytes.
The 5big Network (pictured above), which normally touts a Gigabit Ethernet connection, five hot-swappable drives that support seven RAID modes, now includes a 10TB model, making it “the first in its class to offer double-digit capacity.”
The 5big Network is also now compatible with Apple Time Machine backup software; with a click on the LaCie Administrator website, all Mac computers on a single LAN can access the 5big Network and perform backups. The 5big Network’s multimedia server capabilities have also been improved, now allowing users to play media from the NAS device through a UPnP-AV compatible device such as a PS3 or Xbox, directly to a television or directly to any DLNA multimedia device.
The 5big Network is also compatible with the iTunes server, which provides iTunes users access the NAS device from the application interface.
In the 2big Network (pictured, right) arena, normally a two-bay RAID device offering up to 4TB of storage, is now offering Windows Active Directory Support (ADS) and local backup, as well as support for integration with Microsoft Windows network domains.
The LaCie 2big Network allows users to perform incremental and scheduled backups to external devices, and ships with client licenses of Genie Backup Manager Pro for Windows and Intego Backup Manager Pro for Mac.
The 2big Network is also fully compatible with Time Machine.
The LaCie 2big and 5big Network will be available for $319.99 for the 2big Network and $799.99 for the 5big Network.
Andrew J. Nusca is an associate editor for ZDNet and SmartPlanet.
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