Seagate, the world leader in storage solutions, today introduced the Maxtor Central Axis Business Edition dual-drive network storage server, a storage solution designed to satisfy the long-term business continuity needs and growing storage requirements of small businesses. The Central Axis Business Edition network storage server takes the guesswork out of network storage management by providing simple, automatic backup with solid data protection and secure remote access to business critical information from any web browser. Available in early November, this small-business network storage solution will help companies keep their competitive edge by delivering access to, and protection for their business critical information while in the office or on the road.Regardless of a company's size, its business information is its most valued asset. As small-office/home-office (SOHO) and small businesses continue to grow, so do their stores of digital information. The Central Axis Business Edition storage server makes managing and safeguarding this information easy with automated backup for up to 20 networked computers to one central, safe location. Central Axis Business Edition also allows people to save up to 10 historical versions of information and schedule incremental backups.

For companies of all sizes, just a few minutes of down time can limit their competitive edge. Central Axis Business Edition helps keep small businesses operating efficiently by providing two, 1TB hard drives in a RAID1 configuration, delivering up to 1TB of completely protected storage. This drive is completely protected because it provides "synching without thinking," instantly duplicating files across both drives each time it is saved, preventing the loss of valuable business records in the event of hardware malfunction. This new network storage solution is also user-serviceable, allowing for easy replacement of a failed drive, further assuring small business owners that their records are secure. With two additional USB ports, Central Axis Business Edition makes it easy to add an external drive for added back up of the networked server for rotation to an offsite location, providing an added measure of protection against unforeseen damage in case of fire or acts of nature. The extra USB ports can also be used to connect and share a printer across the network.

When away from the office, Central Axis Business Edition allows anyone to access and share business content securely from the road with an Internet browser. Small business owners can now invite colleagues and clients to access select files and folders without needing an FTP site or software installation, while keeping their firewall intact and maintaining the security of their network.

"Today a device that offers simple and secure network backup is a requirement for every small business or home office," said Stephen Baker, vice president of Industry Analysis at The NPD Group. "As this product segment and the awareness for it grows, buyers will be looking for devices that address these core feature sets."

Central Axis Business Edition is compatible across Windows Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS X operating systems, making it perfect for a multi-platform office. The Central Axis Business Edition storage server also includes an Energy Star 4 rated AC adapter and is packaged in 100% recyclable materials. With Seagate's industry-leading five-year limited warranty, Central Axis Business Edition drives provide the confidence that your business' critical information is on a hard drive you can trust.