After listening to the Home Server Show Podcast for many months, and much research, I have decided on the HP StorageWorks x510 DataVault. With 3 TB of onboard storage, the server will replace several external hard disk drives that I have around the house, and consolidate around 2TB of data that currently resides on 2-3 computers / laptops.
What is the HP StorageWorks server?
As I though, the X510 is basically the same specs as HP MediaSmart Server EX495 (US ONLY) The X510 is being marketed to SME's as a "business level WHS". Same features though.. Backup / Share / Stream.
What can this server do?
- Automatic Backup and Easy Restore – Automatically backs up up to 10 PCs in your office each evening, with the ability to open up and navigate through each day’s backup and restore a single file, an entire folder or quickly reinstall the entire computer complete with all files, user data and drivers intact, thanks to its image based backup technology.
- Folder Duplication – added protection of the data on your shared folders (in case of drive failure), by duplicating that data to a separate physical drive (if installed).
- External Backup – further protection of your shared folders by copying all data to an external USB drive for off-site storage.
- Health Warnings – Monitors all computers connected to the home server (courtesy of a small dashboard application called the Windows Home Server Console you install on each computer in the office) and detects issues with anti-virus, firewall and backup status, using a simple “traffic light” (Red, Amber Green) warning system. It can also alert users to issues with the home server itself.
- File Sharing – Shared folders on the home server act as central repositories for documents, music, videos and photos. Any authorized computer and user on the network can then access those folders to add more files, copy and delete files as well and stream media files to an appropriate networked playback device. It’s also quite easy to grant or prevent specific users from accessing certain folders for additional security.
- Printer Sharing – Connect a printer to the home server and any home computer can print to it.
- Remote Access – A free URL (as well as commercial offerings) is provided to allow users to connect to the server remotely from any location with Internet access. Users can then access folders on the server itself, or control any authorized computer directly using a Remote Desktop Connection.
- Media Streaming – Stream music, videos and photos to a wide variety of playback devices on your network, including digital media receivers, Media Center Extenders, networked TVs, digital photo frames, networked Hi-Fis etc.
- Add-Ins – A thriving and growing library of third-party applications providing additional features for your home server including power management, enhanced media streaming, hard disk management and more.
source: www.wegotserved.com
