Rorke Data, which is now under the ownership of Avnet, has launched a new line of RAID storage solutions specifically targeted at the SMB market. The Galaxy HDX4 series was designed to be price-conscious and simple to deploy. Not too long ago we looked at Rorke’s Galaxy Aurora 36-Bay RAID, but the target market was clearly for content creation and data collaboration. If data backup protection is your calling as a VAR, read on for the details …

Rorke is trying to bring some of its higher-end technology down into the mid-market level. The Galaxy HDX4 comes with the ability for direct or network attached storage capabilities and includes modular swappable drives with the storage backplanes SMBs need. With the ongoing storage expansion across all walks of life in the tech sector,  SMBs require more robust appliances that allow for scaling but don’t skimp on features and don’t break the bank, like enterprise-level solutions can.

The HDX4 can fit up to 224TB of storage (with 12, 16 or 24 drive capacities) and allow for 1024 data snapshots at a given time. With the 6GB/s SAS drive backplane and an 8GB/s Fibre Channel, SMB customers have a popular range of connectivity options for fast data access and backup needs. For attached servers, the HDX4 can also provide thin provisioning. VARs selling the HDX4 have the ability to offer a “pay-as-you-grow” model, (since naturally the drives are swappable) and a streamlined software management suite can help VARs and customers easily manage the appliance and continuing storage needs. Avnet VARs and Rorke Data VARs in the United States and Canada can get their hands on the Galaxy HDX4 today.

Shockingly similar in features and functions? The Dot Hill AssuredSAN 3000 series. It may just be a hunch, but the SMB data market looks like it’s starting to heat up, especially when you also consider Dell Compellent’s momentum …

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