Promise launches low-cost RAID NAS

Promise has launched a two-bay network attached storage (NAS) device that costs just 145 ex VAT.

The SmartStor NS2600 has two hard disk bays so supports both RAID 0 and RAID 1. It is then up to the user if it is deployed for either maximum performance or greater data redundancy.

Promise claimed the NS2600 used just 7W of power when it sleep mode, so it's environmentally friendly too.

As well as several consumer-oriented features, such as a UPnP media server and a download manager, the NS2600 also has several business-focused features. These included the ability to act as a print server, potentially saving the cost of a dedicated network printer, and the ability to act as a repository for IP security camera footage.

It supports Microsoft Active Directory and can even be used as a web or SQL server which will be attractive to smaller businesses with tight IT budgets.

We suspect the NS2600 is the two-bay version the larger and more expensive NS4600, which was favourably reviewed by our colleagues at Expert Reviews.

However, Promise isn't as well known as rival NAS manufacturers Synology and Thecus, who make NAS devices with the benefit of broader support amongst third party plug-in developers. It may, therefore, struggle to attract customers not motivated purely by price.

The SmartStore NS2600 will be available shortly and is backed by a two-year limited warranty.