Linksys New Network Attached Storage Device Adds 120GB Of Hard Drive Capacity To Home And Small Office Networks

Built-In PrintServer and Second Drive Bay Provides Room for Future Expansion

HostReview.com
Wednesday, December 17, 2003; 12:00 AM

IRVINE, CA - Dec. 16, 2003 - Linksys®, a division of Cisco Systems Inc., the leading provider of broadband, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer and Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) markets, today announced the new EtherFast™ 120GB Network Storage Device with PrintServer (EFG120) that provides file and printer sharing as well as backup and remote management via the Internet. Linksys has developed the new network storage device to provide an economical and simple way to store data and content accumulated by office users.

The new Linksys network storage appliance offers 120GB of IDE hard drive storage space in a new sleek silver design that stands upright for small spaces or lays flat on the desktop. Storage capacity can increase to 370GB by adding a 250GB drive to the empty second drive bay. For maximum storage, add a second 250GB drive by replacing the built-in drive to get up to 500GB. IDC, a market research firm, reports that the storage capacity for businesses is growing an estimated 49 percent annually.

The Linksys EFG120 is gigabit ready with a 10/100/1000 port, which can connect the network storage to a gigabit backbone. It can also connect to wireless network in areas where there are no Ethernet connections by using the Linksys Ethernet Wireless-G Bridge (WET54G).

Steve Troyer, director of product marketing for Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems said, "Similar to large enterprise data centers, small businesses are increasingly needing additional storage capacity for databases, presentations, video, graphics, and other large file size content. With the Linksys storage disk add-ons, the small office user can begin to enjoy the benefits of shared storage, and increased storage capacity, at an affordable price."

In many small offices, customers are overspending on network equipment, purchasing costly PCs to act as file servers, which affect network performance. With the Linksys' EFG120 storage device, data is shared throughout the entire network without the upfront and operating costs of a new PC. Linksys sees this as an opportunity to provide a solution without the cost, space, maintenance and upgrade headaches. It also acts as a PrintServer so all users on the network are able to share the same printer.

The new 120GB storage device provides all the functionality needed to hold content for a network environment while offering easy upgrade capabilities when more storage is needed.

Features for the Network Attached Storage with 120GB and PrintServer:

1. 120GB Storage solution with print server, DHCP server, and FTP server for Internet Attached Storage
2. Second available IDE hard drive bay that allows for the easy add-on of up to 250GB additional storage for a total capacity of 500GB (with replacement of original drive)
3. Share multimedia or data files with managed access by user name or group
4. Built-in disk utilities - back up, self test, scan disk and defrag
5. Operating system sits on the unit itself, not on the hard drives, so adding and removing hard drives can be done without having to shut down the network
6. Internet Attached Storage features allows files to be remotely retrieved through a web browser
7. Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is also included for easy setup and communication with other UPnP devices on the network
8. Utilize remote network management and monitoring via the Internet
9. Works with networks running Windows 98, 2000, Me and XP.
For those users who need additional storage, Linksys offers a Network Storage Hard Drive Tray (EFGHDT2) for about $29. The hard drive tray holds an additional IDE hard drive purchased separately by the user.

Pricing and Availability

The EtherFast 120GB Network Storage Device is immediately available through resellers; distributors and direct response for an estimated street price $849.

About Linksys

Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the global leader in Wireless and Ethernet networking for both consumer and SOHO users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications. Linksys provides 24/7 Grade "A" product support to all its customers. For more information, visit the Linksys web site at www.linksys.com.