SCIENCE

MicroNet Technology has unveiled the RAIDBank 5, an unprecedented storage solution for that combines a 10 TB capacity with the performance and data reliability of RAID-5 and the speed of USB 3.0 connectivity.

The RAIDBank 5 is a super speed, low cost RAID solution for storage-intensive digital media applications. MicroNet designed the RAIDBank5 for maximum performance with a hardware RAID architecture that delivers more than 200 MB/sec. and quad interface connectivity with the industry’s fastest external storage interfaces, including FireWire 400 and 800, 300 MB/sec eSATA and the new USB 3.0 at 500 MB/sec.

When configured for RAID-5 operations, the RAIDBank5 delivers read and write speeds of 218 MB/sec and 220 MB/sec. respectively. The RAIDBank5 is equipped with the highest-speed connections to take full advantage of the internal RAID architecture, particularly with the ultra-high speed of the eSATA and USB 3.0 connections.

The performance-optimized architecture of the RAIDBank5 makes it ideal for storage-centric needs of professional digital audio applications and digital video production environments with support for multi-stream High Definition Video, DVCPro for broadcasting use, Apple’s Pro-Res 422 for post production on Final Cut Studio, as well as uncompressed Standard Definition and High Definition video workflow.

The RAIDBank5 uniquely combines the performance and capacity of higher-end storage systems with the simplicity demanded by SMB customers who typically lack dedicated IT staffs. Easy one-button backup provides automatic protection of multiple terabytes of critical data while data security is assured with a simple USB plug-in encryption key that provides AES-256 encryption, approved by the U.S. government to protect top secret data. RAID levels 0,1, 10, 3 and 5 are supported with simple plug-and-play RAID configuration enabled via a graphical user interface or with a rotary switch on the unit.

MicroNet has further addressed the requirements of SMBs with hot-swappable disk drive and fan modules for real-time, on-site replacement for continuous data protection. Drive modules can be swapped out while the RAIDBank5 continues to operate with no data loss or interruption of data availability. The noise-free fan module with SMART thermal sensor is also user-replaceable without any downtime, eliminating the need for costly maintenance contracts or on-site service calls.

Pricing and availability
MicroNet’s RAIDBank5 is available immediately with pricing ranging from $799 for a 2.5 TB model to $1799 for the 10 TB configuration.