Removable disks back from the dead

Storage Expo Remember removable hard disks and how bad they were? Iomega is trying not to, as it targets high-speed backup with an autoloader full of the things, based on its recently introduced REV drive.

Iomega has learnt from the likes of Syquest, Bernoulli and Jaz, claims the company's professional storage solutions director Wayne Arvidson. He says REV uses standard 2.5-inch hard drive components, with cartridges containing both disk platter and motor in order to eliminate the spindle as a potential source of contamination.

The autoloader holds 10 cartridges and can be up to eight times faster than tape, he adds. "Plus you can take them off to a remote location."

But why spend £1490 on the loader and £29 per 35GB cartridge when ATA drives - and removable drive canisters - are so cheap?

"Nearline storage is an excellent option, but there's much more flexibility and expandability with cartridges," Arvidson says. ®