We Got Served

QNAP is introducing 2 new models to their Pro lineup in the form of their TS-239 Pro II

and TS-439 Pro II.

Whereas the previously announced TS-239 Pro and TS-439 Pro use the Intel® Atom™ dual-core processor D510, these additions use Intel’s new D410 Atom™ Single-core CPU.

With these new models being introduced, it would appear that QNAP is shifting focus from Marvel CPU’s and embracing Intel CPU’s.  Appearances can be deceiving, but one never knows.  This may be an overall move by QNAP to broaden it’s market potential.  After all, one could place a NAS device next to a WHS device, put the blindfold on, and do the proverbial test.  “Which is which?”, asks the announcer!

Maybe, just maybe we might see Windows on one these machines someday.  Perhaps even Windows Home Server…

Oh, well.  Just a thought.  But it would be better for the consumer (you and I) to have more players in the market.  More players means more competition and, well, you know!

Moving back to reality, the official announcement:

Taipei, Taiwan, February 2010 – QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of world class NAS servers, NVR Video Surveillance Systems, and Network-based Video Players today expanded its Turbo NAS lineup with two new mid-range NAS servers targeted at SMB and corporate customers. The new TS-239 Pro II (2 drive model) and TS-439 Pro II (4 drive model) incorporate the new Intel® Atom™ D410 single-core processor, which delivers up to 8TB of high performance, highly reliable networked storage coupled with the business-essential features of QNAP’s ultra-high performance Business Series NAS servers.

The TS-239 Pro II and TS-439 Pro II NAS servers are compatible with VMware’s vSphere4 (ESX 4.0) virtualization platform, ideal for departmental file sharing, storage, and advanced server applications in the office environment. VMware’s vSphere is the industry’s first cloud operating system that offers a way to reduce IT costs and increase responsiveness. Shared networked storage is an essential component of a Cloud Computing infrastructure. SMB and corporate users are able to enjoy the interoperability between VMware virtual machines and QNAP high performance, low power consumption certified storage.

“QNAP’s new TS-239 Pro II and TS-439 Pro II models fill an important niche between our ultra high performance Business Series models and our lower performance models” said Laurent Cheng, Product Manager of QNAP Systems, Inc. “These two new models offer the horsepower of the single-core Intel® Atom™ D410 CPU with all the business applications found in our Business Series at price points that are attractive to SMB and corporate customers.” Mr. Cheng added.

The new TS-239 Pro II and TS-439 Pro II Turbo NAS servers ship with new version 3.2 of the QNAP NAS management software which supports lots of class-leading new features such as iSCSI service; supports SPC-3 Persistent Reservation for clustering in VMware and Windows Server 2008. MPIO and MC/S are also supported. As well as new DFS support (Folder Aggregation), import of user-list, and customizable Daylight Saving Time for easier administration, the next-generation Internet Protocol, IPv6, has been incorporated for future networking evolution. QNAP’s Web File Manager 2 features an entirely redesigned user interface and functionality for improved file sharing and management. WebDAV is also available for users to collaboratively share, access, and edit files over HTTP and HTTPS. Additionally, Apple Time Machine backups are now supported.

Availability
The new TS-239 Pro II and TS-439 Pro II Turbo NAS servers are currently available through QNAP global commercial distributors, resellers, and retailers.

QNAP offers the broadest lineup of NAS server enclosures currently available. QNAP Turbo NAS servers are available in 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8-bay tower & rack mount configurations to fit consumer’s needs, including small/medium business, workgroups, and entry-level enterprise networks. Most QNAP NAS servers feature hot-swap removable cartridge drives, and offer unique features including virtual disk, and dual Gigabit LAN ports with fail-over, load-balancing and multi-IP setting capabilities for all Intel-based models. QNAP NAS servers are ideal for simple website hosting, ultra-high performance RAID storage supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 5+ hot spare and 6+hot spare (4 drive and higher models), stand-alone file downloading, network-wide backups, printer sharing, video surveillance, and a whole lot more. QNAP NAS servers are fully compatible with Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and UNIX networks and incorporate green power management technologies.

For more information on these exciting new models, including product images, please visit www.qnap.com

For the record, my ideal system still consists of a WHS and a NAS device backing up the WHS shares.  Maybe add a dash of the cloud and I’m all set!  Right?

I’m not paranoid, am I?