IBM releases enterprise level storage for mid-tier businesses

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IBM has announced the release of a new storage disk that it claimed offers enterprise standard storage capabilities for a midsized business price tag.

The System Storage DS5020 Express supports virtual environments such as vSphere 4 or Hyper-V and uses modular architecture to keep costs down and increase ease of scalability.

Its main feature however is its self-encrypting drives to give better security to business critical applications.

"Midsized businesses are no different than their larger counterparts, as they are facing relentless data growth and shrinking budgets, which is why they're seeking storage solutions that will help reduce costs through efficiencies," said Doug Balog, vice president of disk storage and business line executive at IBM, in a statement.

"The IBM System Storage DS5020 Express addresses those needs," he added.

The product also features four 8Gbps Fibre Channel interfaces and can support up to a further four ports which can be used for either 8Gbps FC or 1Gbps iSCSI.

The system will be available from 4 September with prices beginning at $22,500 (13,870), including IBM service support and a three year warranty.

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