Imation today announced new solutions based on the RDX storage platform designed to help small- and medium-size businesses (SMBs) store, protect and connect their critical business data.

The company announced its roadmap for its high-performance RDX removable hard disk drive system at the 2011 Storage Visions Conference this week at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas.

Ideal for backup, disaster recovery and enabling of secure and efficient use of cloud storage applications, Imation's RDX portfolio will feature several new additions during the first half of 2011, including:

- The RDX "A8" multi-cartridge storage device, a network-attached device that holds up to eight RDX cartridges of interchangeable capacities. This new autoloader-like device offers iSCSi network connectivity; up to 8 terabytes of native capacity storage using eight 1TB cartridges; table-top or 2U high rackmount configuration; remote management interface; and enterprise-class throughput.

- USB 3.0 interface for single cartridge internal and external RDX docking stations, with HDD-drive data transfer rates up to 3-4 times faster than USB 2.0 when performing data backup and restore.

Imation also plans additional 2011 RDX roadmap investments in the areas of increased cartridge capacities, enhanced cloud storage applications, scalable and efficient storage, and government-grade (FIPS) security features.

The RDX system is designed specifically to help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to store, protect, and connect their data through the following applications:

STORE -- Storage and Backup: RDX makes data storage and backup easier, faster, and more reliable, giving SMBs access to enterprise-class data storage and backup feature.

PROTECT -- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: RDX provides a cost-effective, scalable solution for SMBs to secure and protect their information in the event of a disaster.

CONNECT - Enabling Cloud Storage: RDX provides and efficient and secure tool that enables SMBs to seed initial data to the cloud, and accelerate data recovery should a need arise to restore data.

The RDX system combines the best of hard disk, including random-access performance, high reliability, and rapid capacity growth, with the backup and portability benefits of tape, all in a ruggedized removable cartridge In addition to the new A8 multi-cartridge device and new USB 3.0 docking stations, existing Imation RDX offerings include the RDX docking station with USB and SATA connections, cartridges available in 160GB, 320GB, 500GB, 640GB, 750GB and 1TB capacities, and Retrospect software featuring government-certified 256-bit AES encryption.

More details regarding pricing and availability of the Imation RDX A8 device and USB 3.0 docking station will be available in early Q2, 2010.