When is a home server not a home server? When it’s the LaCie 5big Backup Server, the company’s latest network attached storage device. Positioned (and most certainly priced) for small business, LaCie have done all they can to avoid the words “Windows Home Server” appearing on the box. Concerned no doubt at the Microsoft OS’ consumer product positioning, the 5big is variably described as a “Professional 5-bay NAS”, “Backup Appliance” and is “Powered by Microsoft technology”. Whilst LaCie figure out what to call it, I’ll cut to the chase and tell you that the LaCie 5big Backup Server is a five-bay backup and file sharing device for small business, running Windows Home Server.
It’s no secret that Microsoft’s home server OS has gained traction in the small business market as a dedicated backup device – indeed, the technology that powers the next generation of the platform will be manifested in distinct home and small business products going forward. Very similar products, different names, different target audiences. That’s for the future, but today LaCie follow HP as the second manufacturer to launch a dedicated backup and file sharing solution for small business which utilises Windows Home Server.
The 5big Backup Server provides image-based backup of 10 PCs and supports the backup a further 25 Apple Macs (running Mac OSX 10.4+) via Time Machine. Whilst delivering best in class client backup is at the heart of the product, the 5big also provides an effective file sharing, user management and remote access solution for small business owners, without the need for an IT expert on hand to configure the server.
Specifications
The most unique aspect of the 5big Backup Server is not just the fact that is has five hard drive bays, but also that LaCie will only ship the product to you with all of those bays fully populated. Available in a 5TB (5 x 1TB drives – £1,019/$1,199) or 10TB (5 x 2TB drives – £1,519/$1,699) configuration, the small business owner simply has to decide whether they need a lot of storage, or a huge amount of storage. Clearly LaCie’s plan is not to confuse the customer with too many options and instead offer a one box solution that can be upgraded if you need to, but starts life with a lot of storage on board. LaCie are taking a very different stance to HP, whose 4-bay X310 Data Vault offers a similar, if slightly more powerful specification in terms of memory and RAM, but ships with a single 1TB drive allowing the customer to add additional storage when needed. At £360/$350, it’s also significantly cheaper than the 5big Backup Server so whilst LaCie have that one box solution for the customer who craves set and forget convenience, they’ll be paying a hefty premium for it.
Full specification as follows:
| Processor: | Intel Atom D410 (1.6GHz) |
| RAM: | 1GB |
| Storage Options: | 5TB (5 x 1TB) 10TB (5 x 2TB) |
| Networking: | 1 x Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Protocols: | File Server: SMB, AFP, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS DHCP client Remote Access Built-in web access using Windows Live™ URL via Dynamic DNS Internet Information Services (IIS) support |
| Operating System: | Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 |
| USB 2.0 Ports: | 4 (Rear) |
| eSATA Ports: | 1 (Rear) |
| Backup: | Full backup: system, data, applications of up to 10 PCs and 25 Macs on your network Scheduling options with automatic turn on/off of computers Data recovery with backup history (incremental) NAS to external hard disks backup |
| Features: | Remote desktop services Drive extender Time Machine compatible PC health monitoring** Printer sharing Remote access gateway UPnP media streaming Expandable with add-ons |
| Administration: | User-friendly home server console Public/Private Shares with quota management Up to 10 registered users Up to 10 simultaneous connections through SMB |
| Dimensions: | 173 x 196 x 220 mm / 6.8 x 7.7 x 8.6 in |
| Weight: | 7.62 kg / 16.8 lbs. |
Whilst offering an abundance of storage, the 5big’s specification elsewhere is limited, but is likely to meet the needs of the small business user. Intel’s single-core D410 Atom processor offers very low power consumption and combined with 1GB RAM and Gigabit Ethernet can move data around the network without too much trouble. However, compared side by side with its competitors, particularly given the price point, LaCie could have been more generous with the 5big’s processor and memory specification.
What’s in the Box?
The 5big Backup Server ships with LaCie’s usual immaculate packaging, with the server itself protected from scratches in a cloth bag. In the box you’ll find:
- LaCie 5big Backup Server
- Cat 5E Ethernet Cable
- Power Supply
- Connector Agent and Utilities Disk
- PC Recovery CD
- Server Recovery DVD
- Quick Start Guide
- Drive Lock Tool
