EMC's stealth storage software package

EMC is supplying near turnkey storage software to OEMs called LifeLine. It delivers networked shared file storage, backup, file management and media serving.

By adding it to industry-standard hardware they can use it to provide low-cost network-attached storage (NAS) appliances to the SOHO and prosumer markets, and also more demanding consumers.

The software includes:-

- NAS functionality for Windows and Apple Mac computers, but not Unix ones
- RAID protection (1 (2 drives), 5, 1/0)
- Integrated Retrospect backup with unlimited client support
- Content indexing and searching
- Networked multi-media device support
- Support for multiple languages

The software supports media streaming such as iTunes and game console features plus business functions such as being a print server, supporting Active Directory and providing e-mail fault notification.

EMC says it is simple to use with a 'low touch installation' and 4-step set-up wizard. It can link to connected devices, such as client PCs and a router, by cable and/or wireless, as the OEM wishes.

This is competition, to an extent, for Microsoft's new Windows Home Server. Get a PDF data sheet here.

Intel's SS4200-E storage box looks as if it uses the software.

This is EMC going after the very low-end networked storage market. It will enable OEMs to compete with current Iomega NAS offerings as well as having an answer to cheap iSCSI boxes and the Zetera Z-SAN.

SANs are not for sharing; they're for consolidating so the thinking is that SANS have no place in the Prosumer/SOHO storage market.

EMC has not publicly announced its LifeLine product yet.