Netgear is at it again with two high-performance network storage platforms. The aim? Optimized storage for virtualization applications. Joining the family of ReadyNAS is the 3100 and the 4200. For VARs targeting the SMB space here are the details…

First, let’s take a look under the hood:

The ReadyNAS 3100 (pictured) is a 1U rack system that can take up to 8TB (yes, terabytes) of storage. Equipped with 4 SATA channels, Netgear says that it’s the first “Sub-5K 1U” that has redundant power. Over the phone, Netgear drove home the point that you typically don’t see redundant power in 1U units, and we’d have to agree. Netgear is really pushing reliability with this unit — and affordability. The street-price is $3,800.

The ReadyNAS 4100 is a 2U unit, with 12-bays (12 SATA channels), and you can stuff this guy with up to 24TB of storage, along with two redundant drives inside that single system. It’s also the first ReadyNAS to support 10Gigabit Ethernet, which of course means increase throughput, which translates to more speed for critical SMB applications. Netgear set the street-price for this monster at $10,000.

Both the 3100 and 4200 feature:

Both these products are aimed mid-range enterprises while simultaneously being solutions for high-performance “secondary solutions” for a larger business.

When I spoke to Netgear about the channel angle for these products, they said they;re looking to develop and build on existing partner incentive programs, with a slew of rebates for storage, security and switching. They claim the ReadyNAS brand lends itself to their roduct line that contains “4 out of 5 critical components;” when dealing with SMB infrastructures. Netgear put forth that they’ve dumped  serious cash into R and D  for security, backup, protection and infrastructure solutions. That’s your 4. The 5th item? Just add a server. (Shake well, serve over ice.)

You can get your hands on these boxes through the NETGEAR PowerShift Partners come late April 2010. ReadyNAS Vault is also included, though it’s a 30-day trial. The trial include both annual and pre-paid capacity plans for your trial-pleasure. Netgear’s ReadyNAS units come with 24/7 technical support and and a five-year warranty with spare parts and extended service options available.