Snap Server 4500 and Backup Express
The server is powered by a 2.4GHz Pentium 4 processor with 512MB of memory expandable to 3GB. In our configuration, it was equipped with four 250GB hard drives for around 700GB of RAID 5 storage. The hardware supports a good range of network file protocols including Microsoft, Unix, and Apple, and supports clients from Windows 95 to XP, Mac OS8.x to X.x, Unix including Solaris, HP-UX, AIX, SCO, and Linux. Connectivity to the LAN is provided by a pair of gigabit Ethernet ports.
Managing the server is a breeze, with its simple Web interface and Linux-based OS called Guardian. Guardian is preloaded and configured; on our system it even included backup images of the clean system should you need to reinstall. Guardian features a journaling file system and to further improve robustness and security, has eTrust Antivirus software integrated, as well as support for SSL v3 and a password encrypted SSH CLI.
The OS has embedded snapshot technology for non-disruptive backups and server-to-server synchronisation. The unit also shipped with Backup Express to support backups to local tape.
As can be seen from the screenshot, configuring a snapshot task could not be easier and the disaster recovery window is similarly simple to use.
The software package supplied with the Snap Server is a product called Backup Express for GuardianOS from Syncsoft and the version that shipped is an "SE" edition in that it does not feature full functionality. The software will only backup from a Snap Server and up to five additional Snap Servers and then only to any locally attached SCSI tape device. The software is very easy to drive and can be upgraded to the fully-functional Enterprise Edition for an added cost.
| Product | Snap Server 4500 and Backup Express |
| Price | $11,326 |
| Vendor | Lan 1 |
| Phone | 02 9318 4222 |
| Web | www.lan1.com.au |
| Interoperability |  ½ |
| Supports a wide range of network file protocols but the software supplied is restricted to GuardianOS functionality. | |
| Futureproofing |  ½ |
| As the enterprise grows multiple servers can be implemented although the software will need upgrading to increase backup flexibility. | |
| ROI |  |
| The server is modestly priced given its high disk capacity. | |
| Service |  |
| One-year standard RTB warranty. Premium support plans are available for a fee. | |
| Rating |  |
You should really b looking at the Proware range from Datastor Australia if you want to really lower your total cost of investment.
www.datastor.com.au