SANTA CLARA, USA: Hitachi has introduced a data storage system so simple and so intuitive to install, use and manage that anyone — with no technical training whatsoever — could master and benefit from its vast capabilities.

Specifically, Hitachi introduced the Hitachi Simple Modular Storage Model 100, a low-cost, entry-level storage system that serves the needs of a broad set of customers. The system is designed to fulfill the requirements of small and medium-sized businesses with burgeoning data growth and data protection requirements and enterprises with distributed branch offices looking for simple-to-manage, "service-less" storage offerings that are easy to integrate with the Microsoft Windows platform.

Data protection and business continuity are fast becoming two of the biggest IT concerns among small and mid-size businesses, which also represents two of the most lucrative storage opportunities for our solution providers and strategic manufacturers like Hitachi," said Kevin Murai, president and chief operating officer, Ingram Micro Inc.

Simplicity amplified on a massive scale

The Hitachi Simple Modular Storage system draws upon Hitachi's decades of experience in both consumer electronics and data storage by converging all of this expertise into a singular product vision:

• Removes the key elements of storage system complexity, and replaces them with intuitive, nearly instinctual controls, enabling SMBs to recapture the countless hours in their day previously spent trying to master technical manuals and deal with countless wires, plugs, and clumsy interfaces
• Includes a highly intuitive wizard-based GUI setup and auto-configuration software that enables you to unpack the system and have it fully operational in minutes
• Plugs into any home or office using the same standard power outlet
• Provides non-stop data availability via a unique "plug-and-play" disk slot.
• Allows you to easily upgrade to a new Hitachi Simple Modular Storage system when you require even more capacity.
• Eliminates backup headaches by creating instantaneous snap or full copies of all your data and offers disaster recovery with optional remote replication.
• If your LAN is ever down, you can continue to work using the Hitachi Simple Modular Storage system as all changes since the last replication interval are automatically saved to disk.
• Delivers eco-friendly, power-efficient storage and is fully compliant with RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) regulations.
• Installs quickly and runs non-disruptively for up to five years or more