Data Robotics introduces storage robot

Data Robotics introduces Drobo, a fully automated storage robot designed to ensure that data is always protected, storage capacity is unlimited and it is exceptionally easy to expand.

With the introduction of Drobo, Data Robotics frees consumers and small businesses from the time-consuming chore of storage management, enabling them to focus more of their time on personal or professional interests.

"After inventing enterprise storage technologies and building entire data centers, I understand how to store and protect data better than most," said Dr. Geoff Barrall, CEO and co-founder of Data Robotics. "But that didn't save me from losing irreplaceable personal data from a system crash at home. When I investigated what solutions were available, the only options were managing a growing number of external hard drives or managing RAID. That's when I realized there needed to be a better solution, and I began the development of Drobo."

The robotic storage technology inside of Drobo is based on storage virtualisation principles combined with the ideals of cybernetics. This unique combination provides a best-in-class user experience for mass-storage devices, especially in terms of initial set-up, autonomous data protection and future capacity expansion.

Drobo is a small black desktop system that connects via any USB 2.0 port on either Mac or Windows PC. Under its magnetically-attached faceplate are four bays that can accept any brand, size, speed or capacity mix of standard 3.5" SATA internal hard drives (sold separately and available at most electronics stores). Drives just slide in without requiring any tools or carriers.

"Alexander Graham Bell said that the reason that the telephone was going to be a success is because it didn't require any skill to operate," said Tony Asaro, senior analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. "That is what Data Robotics has brought to data storage. We believe that Drobo has the potential to create an entirely new market and we believe its technology should become pervasive in the storage industry."