Connected Data, the creator of the Drobo line of smart storage solutions, today announced the release of the latest four-bay Drobo. The third-generation Drobo is less expensive than the previous model, up three times faster, and includes new features such as USB 3.0 (but drops Firewire support), significantly faster rebuild times and enhanced support for Apple’s Time Machine backup technology.
The new unit features an entirely new architecture, leading to the claimed boosted speed. In addition, four times faster rebuild times maximize data availability in the event of a disk drive failure, and the addition of battery backup provides even more protection in case of a power outage. Drobo’s new Time Machine functionality allows users to specify the amount of storage on the device that the feature can occupy.
If a drive fails, Drobo automatically protects data without user intervention. In addition, users can purchase needed capacity increase space in the future by adding additional disk drives internally or via USB 3.0, or by swapping smaller disks with larger ones.
Third-generation Drobo pre-orders have commenced for $349. Availability is expected in late April. Connected Data is offering first- and second-generation Drobo customers a $50 USD discount when they purchase a new Drobo through www.drobostore.com and select channel partners through June 9.
