At Storage Expo 2004 in London last week, Iomega unveiled the REV Autoloader 1000, a new disk-based autoloader backup device based on its REV disk technology. Iomega intends the REV Autoloader 1000 as a direct replacement for SCSI-based tape autoloaders in small-to-midsized businesses. The system uses 35GB REV disks rather than the tapes that other solutions use. According to the company, the use of removable disks means that less system maintenance is required.

   The REV Autoloader 1000 comes in a 2U single-drive formation, which includes 10 slots, permitting as much as 350GB (700GB compressed) of native capacity. Transfer speeds can reach as high as 25MBps. The company has partnered with Computer Associates (CA) to include BrightStor ARCserve Backup Standard Edition 11.1 with the Disaster Recovery Option. The system comes equipped with dual SCSI interfaces, allowing connections to both a server and a NAS device. The company offers Web-based remote management tools, a bar-code reader for inventory management, and a rack-mount kit for datacenters as accessories. The REV Autoloader 1000 will be available later this year and will cost $2199.