AXONIX ANNOUNCES FIRST MULTI-PROTOCOL REMOVABLE STORAGE APPLIANCE THAT ATTACHES DIRECTLY TO NETWORKS
JazzSharer Offers Fault Tolerant File Server-Independent Solution
SALT LAKE CITY, August 4, 1997 - Axonix Corporation, a leading network appliance manufacturer, announced today the first multi-protocol network appliance that attaches directly to local area networks. The new JazzSharer (trade mark) is the only network-attachable storage appliance which supports both TCP/IP and IPX protocols, offering a simple and flexible way for workgroup users to share removable storage over Windows NT and Novell networks. The JazzSharer is a plug-and-play solution which operates completely independent of the file server so users can add storage capacity anywhere on their network without taking down the file server or slowing network performance. Axonix will offer direct network access to shared Iomega Jaz drives in a 1, 4, or 7 drive tower configuration through its new JazzSharer line.
The JazzSharer is a plug-and-play solution that can be added to a network in minutes and installed without any system downtime. It is based on Axonix's self-contained, modular ProLinQ server technology which eliminates the need to load NLM software (NetWare Loadable Modules) or other network interface hardware or software, greatly simplifying configuration and setup. It allows multiple users to seamlessly, and simultaneously write-to and read information from any Jaz drive connected to a network without requiring multiple NOS (network operating system) licenses. Users can share removable storage from any Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows 3.x, OS/2, or DOS workstation while simultaneously running on both Novell and Windows NT networks.
JAZZSHARER OFFERS IMPROVED PERFORMANCE, FAULT TOLERANCE, AND SECURITY
Because the JazzSharer is file server-independent, it operates even when the file server is down. Off loading workgroup applications from the file server increases file server reliability and provides fault tolerant accessibility to critical data. The JazzSharer is the only network-attachable storage appliance which offers network connections for 10BASE-T/2 Ethernet, 10/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet, or Token Ring 4/16. Unlike proprietary RISC-based products, the JazzSharer is based on an open Intel X86 architecture and incorporates industry-standard network interface cards, so changes to the network or its topology are fully supported. The JazzSharer offers users faster data transfer speeds than file server-based storage solutions, and its dedicated storage server can easily be scaled to support higher traffic networks. In addition, Axonix's embedded ProLinQ software prevents operating system and hard disk crashes.
The JazzSharer is well suited to organizations such as accounting firms, advertising agencies, or law firms that need secure, departmental data storage which is always available even when the file server is down. For example, a lawyer who needs a draft of a brief he wrote several months ago can access it without restoring tape backup files, and accountants can retrieve a previous year's spreadsheet without having to access archived data. The JazzSharer lets users access graphic images, spreadsheets, and billing information, and then password protect that information on a departmental or workgroup level, providing increased security. In addition, because the JazzSharer is file server-independent, it allows users to keep a library of Jaz cartridges in any convenient workgroup location. "This new line of JazzSharers lets users, for the first time, share removable storage across multi-protocol local area networks," said Michael Hickey, President of Axonix Corporation. "Through the JazzSharer, workgroup users can finally be free of the inconvenience of traditional file servers and have fault tolerant access to critical data at any time in any location."
JAZZSHARER OFFERS idEAL DATA BACKUP FOR WORKGROUPS
Because the JazzSharer does not rely on the file server, users can backup their workstations at any time without slowing down the network. A single JazzSharer can be used to replace up to 250 workstation-based Jaz drives, dramatically reducing product and support costs. Unlike tape backup, hard drive backups are faster and instantly verifiable so the JazzSharer is the ideal way to improve data backup integrity. The JazzSharer includes NovaSTOR's NovaDisk backup utility software, which archives workstation and file server data.
CONFIGURATION AND PRICING
The JazzSharer is available in three stand-alone storage models which include 1, 4, or 7 Jaz drives with connections for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Token Ring networks. Larger tower models can be configured to meet any VAR or system integrator's needs. The JazzSharer includes 12 MBytes of standard SIMM RAM, upgradable to 128 MBytes, and NovaSTOR's NovaDisk data backup utility suite. Support for sharing other storage media, including magneto optical drives, will be available in future versions of the product. JazzSharer prices start at $1,787 for the single drive model; the product is available now.
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JazzSharer is a trademark of Axonix Corporation. All other product names are property of their respective holders.