Procom Technology, a provider of data storage solutions, today announced it has enhanced the operating system for its popular DataFORCE line of CD/DVD-ROM network appliances. With the improved operating system (4.1), DataFORCE appliances can now burn CDs, perform remote caching, and create writable partitions. The new CD burning function enables a CD to be recorded over the network, allowing a CD-Recordable drive to be shared by multiple users -- similar to the network printer concept. Additionally, it provides snapshot burning, creating a virtual copy of the CD image on the hard drive for enhanced data protection.

Remote caching enables CDs and DVDs to be cached from any workstation on the network, rather than having to place the disk locally in the DataFORCE server.

The writable partition function lets users create and manage a partition for their individual data -- to make custom CDs or for use as a writable temporary directory.

DataFORCE network appliances promote collaboration by connecting all users on the network and allowing them to organize, protect and share files previously scattered throughout the organization on individual CDs, DVDs and hard drives. Combining Procom's enterprise-strength hardware with advanced embedded software, DataFORCE appliances speed cross-platform access and file sharing of up to 600 CDs or 50 DVDs.

The new 4.1 operating system is now standard on all new DataFORCE units and is also available to the installed base as an upgrade, priced at only $299.