LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) has released two new high capacity
Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions: the Big Disk Network and d2
Network. These file servers are optimized for users to instantly
store, share, and back up files, from any Mac or PC on a wired or
wireless network.

The d2 Network supports up to 1.5TB capacity, while the Big Disk
Network combines two drives in a RAID 0 setting, for up to 4TB of
storage. Both NAS solutions are designed for advanced users or small
to medium sized offices that want to develop workgroup environments
for up to 50 users (15 at one time). Network administrators can
choose from various security levels for user profiles, groups, and
public or guest access. Users can connect an external USB drive to
increase security through scheduled backups, or even expand capacity.
The d2 Network also includes an eSATA connection for storage
expansion.

LaCie’s NAS solutions offer a software bundle for set up, back up and
administration. The LaCie Network Assistant enables access and
configuration of your NAS solution. Both solutions also ship with
Intego Backup Manager Pro for Mac users, which allow customers to
backup documents, emails, and other digital assets directly to their
NAS device. They also support computer disaster recovery.

The Big Disk and d2 Network integrate into most small office networks
thanks to Active Directory support, which allow the product to
seamlessly join Windows domains, according to Edin Del Mar, LaCie
product manager for office network solutions. It also supports most
of the network protocols for Mac and Windows users, including SMB and
AFP. Network administrators can take advantage of the Wake-on-LAN
(WOL) for turning on the drive remotely, and be sent email alerts for
backups, downloads, and risk indicators.

For use in the home, the d2 and Big Disk Network allow users to
leverage two usage scenarios without being connected to a computer.
The first is the ability to download large files using the
BitTorrentT protocol. The second use lets users play media from the
NAS solutions through a UPnP-AV compatible device such as a PS3 or
Xbox, directly to a television. Both NAS drives are compatible with
any DLNA multimedia device.

The Big Disk and d2 Network drives were designed exclusively for
LaCie by designer Neil Poulton. They have an aluminum body with a
heat sink design offers natural heat dissipation. If users desire
multiple d2 drives for backup or increased capacity, the drives can
be rackmounted using the LaCie d2 rack accessories for desktop and
standard 19-inch IT equipment racks.

The LaCie NAS solutions are available now, with the retail cost
starting at US$189.99 for d2 Network and $379.99 for Big Disk Network.