Iomega Expands REV range With New Desktop REV Loader 280

Iomega has announced the local release of the Iomega REV Loader 280, a new desktop autoloader for small business backup and archive duties.

Using removable hard drive based technology created by Iomega, the REV Loader 280 provides access to 280 Gigabytes (GB) - 560 GB compressed - of storage, managing up to eight removable 35 GB REV disks in a compact desktop form factor - only 17cm tall and 13cm wide. This new autoloader design will cost approximately half as much as many competing automation tape products.

The Iomega REV Loader 280 connects to a server through a USB 2.0 interface, making it easy to use as a backup and archive device for computers on a network, and less expensive than traditional SCSI-based tape drives. For small businesses that require professional grade backup with removable media, but desire a simple, hands-off solution, the desktop REV Loader 280 delivers automated, multi-disk data protection at a price similar to single tape drive solutions. Bundled with the REV Loader 280 is a license for CA BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Windows including support for disaster recovery.

Unlike tape backup products that rely on fragile, slow and expensive linear-access technology, the REV Loader 280 drive uses durable 35 GB REV disks based on hard disk drive technology. The Iomega REV Loader quietly loads disks as required for continuous, automated data protection. Reliable operation is possible even in dusty or dirty conditions where tape-based backup technologies could fail. Password protection and encryption provide additional data security. The REV Loader 280 is also dramatically faster than tape-based automation devices, delivering up to 25 MB/sec data transfer rates with random access capability. It out-performs many tape alternatives such as DDS-4 and DAT-72 while costing as little as half as much.

In addition to the new desktop REV Loader 280, stand alone Iomega REV 35GB drives are currently available in external USB 2.0, FireWire, internal SCSI, SATA and the REV Autoloader 1000 rack-mounted ten-disk automation device.

Compared to tape, REV products generally cost less and work faster, reducing backup times while delivering virtually unlimited rewrites per disk. REV disks provide an estimated archival life of 30 years. They are also highly portable (10 x 77 x 75 mm), durable and low cost.