Data Robotics, manufacturer of the Drobo storage device, has introduced a second-generation model with FireWire 800, improved USB 2.0 performance and an upgraded core processor. The company claims the new Drobo is the fastest product in its class for managing and storing digital information.
The increased read-and-write performance now makes the Drobo ideal for use as primary storage for media applications such as HD video editing and photography, as well as secondary storage, the company said.
The first-generation Drobo was popular because it allowed non-technical users to create redundant disk arrays with the simple plug-and-play of generic disk drives of various sizes and types. The Drobo automatically configured the drives for use, freeing the user from the technical details. New enhancements include an upgraded core processor, two FireWire 800 ports, dramatically increased USB 2.0 performance, and newly optimized firmware.
Current expansion for the new model Drobo is up to 16 TB. It also has the ability to take advantage of mix-and-match drive capacities. The unit has two FireWire 800/400 ports and one USB 2.0 port.
The new Drobo is priced at $499 and also comes in a 2TB version for $899, and a 4TB version for $1,299.