Today, Western Digital announced a couple of additions to their small business NAS solutions.
These two new devices, marked in blue on the below spec comparison chart, are an updated version of the previous Sentinel DX4000 and RX4100 models. The new units feature Xeon processors running Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials. Unlike previous models, the new units can boot from separate 2.5" HDD's (or SSDs) running single or in a RAID-1 mirrored pair, meaning the system does not have to rely on the primary storage array for OS files. The use of the new Windows Server also enables the use of Storage Spaces in lieu of the on-board RAID solution, should the configuration require it.
These are definitely higher end NAS devices which pack a lot of processing punch. As a result, they are a far cry from an ARM powered home NAS in price as well as in performance. We're following these releases closely, and expect additional releases along these lines from Western Digital in the future. I hope to see an 8 bay (or greater) model materialize as well.
Full press blast after the break:
WD® INTRODUCES NEW ULTRA-COMPACT NETWORK STORAGE PLUS SERVERS
WD Sentinel™ DS5100 and DS6100 Provide Small Businesses with an Intel-based Windows Server, Pre-populated with WD Enterprise-Class Hard Drives at an Affordable Price
IRVINE, Calif. – October 10, 2013 – WD®, a Western Digital company (NASDAQ: WDC) and world leader in digital storage solutions, today expanded its small- and medium-sized (SMB) storage solution portfolio with the introduction of the new WD Sentinel™ DS5100 and WD Sentinel DS6100 (S-series) ultra-compact network storage plus servers. The WD Sentinel S-series feature high-performance Intel® Xeon® processors and are pre-installed with Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials. All WD Sentinel network storage products feature WD enterprise-class hard drives and these 4-bay WD Sentinel S-series desktop appliances offer up to 16 TB of raw storage. Additionally, unlike traditional NAS systems, the WD Sentinel S-series allow small businesses to run line-of-business applications on their network storage platform.
“WD is using enterprise-class components to build a new family of network appliances for small businesses,” said Bill Evans, general manager of WD’s business storage solutions group. “The WD Sentinel S-series network appliances are engineered with Intel Xeon processors, pre-populated with WD Se® datacenter 3.5-inch hard drives for rapid deployment, and feature dedicated 2.5-inch boot drives for maximum reliability. No other vendor offers a comparable network storage plus server in an equally small form factor. With a small footprint and quiet fan, an S-series appliance can be deployed anywhere.”
Proven Components from Intel, Microsoft, and WD
Built by WD, powered by an Intel Xeon processor and running Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials, the WD Sentinel S-series is based on proven technologies from industry leaders. Unlike competitors’ proprietary operating systems, the S-series is a fully configured native Windows Server on which customers can deploy thousands of Windows applications.
“Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials gives customers the benefit of built-in, groundbreaking, low-cost storage technologies, and WD’s Sentinel S-series hardware helps small businesses take advantage of these technologies,” said Jamie Hamilton, Director of Marketing, OEM Division at Microsoft Corp. “We are pleased to work with WD to tackle the small business, first-server opportunity. WD’s hardware engineering expertise, previous success with network storage products based on Windows Storage Server, and leadership in offering an R2 version of Windows Server 2012 Essentials puts WD in a good position to serve this industry.”
Reliable Enterprise Grade Components
The WD Sentinel S-series include WD 3.5-inch datacenter-class hard drives for enhanced data security. Businesses gain enterprise-class reliability with dual dedicated boot drives (optional on WD Sentinel DS5100), dual gigabit Ethernet ports, and dual external DC-in power adapter ports. This engineered redundancy, along with a bezel lock for physical security, all add to the reliability of this ultra-compact network storage plus server that can be deployed virtually anywhere.
Affordable First Server for Any Small Business
The WD Sentinel S-series is a complete, fully-configured solution with automatic backup and restore software for up to 25 users and 50 computers, all at a very affordable price that starts at $2,560 U.S. MSRP. By combining a single solution for both storage and server requirements, the S-series appliances are a great solution for any small business looking for their first server.
“Finally, a network storage vendor has delivered a low-cost, turn-key solution that meets my customers’ requirements—with no assembly required,” said Kevin Royalty, Microsoft MVP and Managing Partner of Total Care Computer Consulting in Centerville, Ohio. “Small business customers want a packaged solution with balanced disk, processor, memory, and operating system that is engineered and tested as a unit. The DS5100 and DS6100 appliances are ideal as a ‘first server’ due to the high-performance Intel Xeon processor, Windows Server, high-capacity enterprise-class disk storage, and tiny footprint.”
Availability
WD Sentinel S-series appliances are available today at CDW, PC Connection, and Insight, and through select VARs, resellers, and distributors worldwide. The WD Sentinel DS5100 is pre-populated in capacities of 4 or 8 TB. The WD Sentinel DS6100 is available with capacities of 8, 12, or 16 TB.
Pricing
Five models of WD Sentinel S-series appliances are available. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) start at $2,560.00 USD for the WD Sentinel DS5100 4 TB network storage plus server. WD Guardian™ Services, which offer flexible, affordable and hassle-free technical support, are available for periods of one or more years.
