IBM claims advance for SMB storage

IBM has launched the System Storage DS4700 Express series, a high-bandwidth storage system featuring what Big Blue calls front- to back-end 4gbps technology.

Aimed at small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the storage system is designed for those who need faster access to their business critical information.

IBM believes that SMBs are now required to manage data at a level once reserved for larger organisations. It says the DS4700 Express is designed to help these companies lower their costs by accomplishing more work with less storage infrastructure through faster data access and back-up, as well as faster restoring, copying and mirroring of data.

"Small- to medium-sized clients are faced with the same challenges as large enterprises, which is to cost effectively manage and run the increasing flood of complex data applications," says Kristie Bell, vice-president, IBM System Storage. "The DS4700 Express hits the sweet spot for response time and performance."

The DS4700 Express series is designed to provide users with increased connectivity, such as 16 disk drive bays inside the controller and up to 8 host ports, thus says IBM, reducing the need for a switch to be incorporated into the network.

The products will be available in June.