HP StorageWorks AiO600

We've always found WSS2003 R2 easy to use when delivering shared storage, so before committing to the HP AiO600 take a look at alternatives based on this OS (also read the review of the AiO400 on our sister website, www.itpro.co.uk). The data-protection and snapshot features will prove useful, but file-sharing wizards are already implemented in the base OS, so HP's tools don't add any real value for NAS.

The key extra benefits the AiO appliances offer are the ability to migrate data from active apps onto a central repository, and ease of implementation - no-one else offers this single-box solution. HP's ProLiant ML350, together with the fast and reliable SAS hard disks, make this an excellent platform too, and add to the AiO600's feeling of value. In particular, firms with existing Exchange or SQL Server services will find the AiO600 offers an easy way to move critical data onto a dedicated appliance.

Author: Dave Mitchell