Missing in Action: Lacie and Iomega….
If you’ve been holding on to see what Lacie and Iomega were doing with their announced Windows Home Server systems, then you will need to wait until well into this year before you see anything.
Neither business had any WHS product on show here at CES, and I caught up with executives from both businesses here at the show to find out when we may see something.
Let’s talk Lacie first - they told me that they’re still very committed to the WHS platform, and believe they’ll have a product to market before the end of 2008. Which means no product exists for them right now at the beginning of 2008. An executive from Intel confirmed yesterday that they were in discussions with Lacie last year to bring a version of the Intel Entry Storage Server to market (the same system that Fujitsu-Siemens and Velocity Micro are selling) but that plan did not come to fruition.
Over in the Iomega camp, they could not provide an update on their previously announced HomeCenter Server, and the machine was not on display here at CES. Another one to file under vapourware.
Interestingly, both companies were strongly pushing non-WHS multi-drive NAS devices here at the show.
The Europeans
Both Medion and Fujitsu-Siemens decided not to show here at CES also - for Fujitsu-Siemens, they claimed the reasons for this was they’ll be selling into Europe only, so CES was not as relevant for them as IFA. Medion have their MD90110 unit on show at Microsoft’s booth here at the show, which I’ll be checking out tomorrow - I’m looking forward to finally seeing the Medion system in the metal.
Meanwhile, Intel were out in force on Monday showing off their Intel Entry Storage Server to show visitors - they confirmed that both Velocity Micro and Fujitsu-Siemens would be receiving stock in early February, so whilst both companies have taken limited pre-orders for the product, you’ll be waiting until at least mid-Feb to get your hands on them at the least.
Having seen the machine in the metal for the first time yesterday, it’s certainly more than a little chunky than the renders would have you believe. Intel describe the system as “robust” and will be offering a 3 year warranty through their brand partners for the machine. We’re looking forward to seeing whether robustness translates into performance soon, when we get a review unit to put through its paces.
January 9th, 2008 at 4:47 am
I was so looking forward to you providing information about the Iomega Homecenter. I have been holding out on buying a server until the Homecenter was released. I wrote them and of course they didn’t have anything to say, but at least they did respond. Based on your report it looks like I need to look elsewhere as I’m guessing they are no where near ready to release a server if ever. So now I have to look at what IS available and where I get the best bang for my USD. My first choice would be the Tranquil A2 setup, customizable, quiet, small footprint and low power. The only cons I can see are 64 bit support, 2 internal drives max (not major since they have the 4 port eSATA) and the USD to GBP is killer especially when I can get the HP EX475 for $500 less. Hey Tranquil you willing to provide a discount?
Can’t blame me for trying. My concerns about the HP are not enough memory, power hungry and noisy. I went to Velocity Micro’s website simulated a purchase and it kicked me back to an empty cart so I guess they’re not allowing pre-orders. So I’d like to hear from the Tranquil and HP owners on why you chose that box and are you completely satisifed with your purchase.
January 9th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I perchased a hp EX470. I Can’t say its noisy. My laptop make more noise.Adding extra HDD is a total breeze, i.e. you don’t have to take the case appart. Also you have 3 spare bays(on the EX470).
New/extras comming from HP for there MSS. I.E. Antivirus, Packet video.
I did serously look at the Traquil but having a to perchase recovery key @ £30.00 + a floorkit@ £9.50 the price realy started to not look so good. and no extras as with HP.
January 9th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
You might want to wait for the medion home server. This has some great specs.
January 9th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Just popping over to see it now….
January 9th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Thanks for the input Qbert! I like the fact that the HP is no louder than a laptop. I can handle that and reading the memory upgrade FAQ I’m not too concerned with that as long as it doesn’t void the warranty. If I’m reading correctly Velocity Micro & FujitsuSiemens are using a case manufactured by Intel which is due out first of next month. So I probably will wait till towards the end of February to see what comes out.
Terry, I look forward to your comments.
January 10th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Yes, both the Velocity Micro and the FS system are based on the Intel Storage Server reference design - Intel tell me they’ll be shipping stock into those guys in the next couple of weeks, if they haven’t already. FS will be launching late this month/early next.
The Medion unit is actually quite cool - reminds me of the HP unit in some ways - a little squarer… will have a couple of pics up soon,
Terry
January 10th, 2008 at 3:16 am
Terry, do you know if Medion will be selling the server their server in the US?
January 10th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Hi Alfster
I believe it’s Europe only, but don’t know that for sure….
Terry