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Posted: 9/7/2011 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

Offers 750GB of high-performance storage, for capacity hungry systems

 

7 September 2011

 

Distributor Drive Control Corporation has recently introduced Western Digital's WD Scorpio Black 750 GB, 7200 RPM 2.5-inch SATA hard drive for high-performance notebook computers and portable storage devices.

 

One of the fastest hard drives on the market, WD Scorpio Black drives, combine class-leading 7200 RPM spin speed and 16 MB cache to deliver maximum notebook performance. Now available in capacities of up to 750 GB, the WD Scorpio Black hard drives provide creative professionals, gamers and PC enthusiasts with additional capacity they need to get their job done. Using Advanced Format (AF) technology, the WD Scorpio Black 750 GB hard drives also incorporate a variety of data-protection features to actively monitor and protect valuable data.

 

Says Robert Smyth, WD product specialist at DCC, "As digital content proliferates, hard drives are having to store more without compromising performance. The latest WD Scorpio Black hard drive for notebooks is meeting this demand and with its 16MB of cache memory, is uncompromising when it comes to speed."

 

"Our most demanding customers have come to expect 'no compromises' from our all of our Black series products," explains Matt Rutledge, vice president of product marketing for WD. "The new WD Scorpio Black drive does not disappoint, providing users of portable devices the necessary speed, significant storage and efficient power management needed to enjoy their favourite HD content, high resolution images, powerful office applications or gaming at home, in the office or on the road."

 

The WD Scorpio Black 750 GB internal hard drive is available at selected retail outlets with a recommended retail price of R 900.00 inclusive of V.A.T.


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Posted: 9/13/2011 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

Value for money - precision and perfection, the new Dell Vostro 1540 laptop, now available from DCC

 

 13 September 2011

 

 

Efficient, fast and durable. The new Vostro 1540 is designed to deliver superior performance, keeping you and your business on a winning path. With features such as vivid graphics, great speed and mobility this laptop delivers in all areas and is one of the best laptops in its range.

 

"The Dell Vostro 1540's performance is definitely a key feature in comparison with  its predecessor, the Dell Vostro 1015. Its robust quality, design and high quality finish are also key features," says Nitesh Devanand, Dell Consumer Product Specialist at DCC.

 

Perfect for everyday business, the Vostro 1540 boasts pure precision and speed to get work done efficiently and effectively with Intel iCore Processors and Windows 7 Professional. With features such as an Intel HD graphics 3000 card and crystal clear clarity with the High Definition (HD) Wide LED Anti-Glare Display, presentations are pleasing to the eye.  The 1.3MP webcam and built in microphone makes video conferencing a cinch, enhancing your communication with clients. Enjoy the ability to connect virtually anywhere with built-in WiFi and optional Bluetooth 3.0.

 

"This notebook is ideal for the business user that needs to complete their daily tasks quickly, manage e-mails and create a variety of spreadsheets and word documents," Devanand adds.

 

Powerful but still elegantly designed the Vostro 1540 is available in stately London Slate Grey with a solid hinge design and anti-fingerprint cover for a top-class quality finish. The spacious touchpad and chiclet keyboard is perfect for typing and is both comfortable and ultra convenient.

Being connected is essential to all businesses and with the Vostro 1540 connectivity is a breeze with three USB ports plus HDMI & VGA ports, giving you the ability to connect to various external devices such as hard drives, printers and USB flash drives.

 

 

"This notebook is a winner for business users and delivers remarkable value for money," Devanand adds.

 

The Dell Vostro 1540 is distributed by DCC and is available through resellers and various retail outlets.  The recommended retail price is R5999.00 including V.A.T. 


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Posted: 9/21/2011 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

Press Release: Robust, revolutionary - enhanced speed and specs, the new Dell Vostro 3350, now available from DCC

 

21 September 2011

 

Distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC) has recently introduced the new Dell Vostro 3350 notebook, packed with remarkable speed, power and enhanced performance. The Dell Vostro 3350 is the perfect companion, providing the business power user with a notebook that can keep up with their fast and demanding pace.

 

The performance of this notebook is enhanced with DDR3 memory, and the latest Intel processing power, the Intel Core i5 processor and an upgrade to Windows 7 Professional Operating System. Specifically designed to cater to a business users needs, the Dell Vostro 3350 notebook delivers a wide range of features that make it a perfect match.

 

Says Nitesh Devanand, Dell Consumer Product Specialist at DCC, "The Dell Vostro 3350 is more than impressive processing power. It also features 4GB RAM and a hard drive that stores 500GB of data.  And as many business users are mobile users too, the added 3G embedded slot makes connectivity simple and unobtrusive.  Downloading email, accessing the corporate server and communicating via social networking sites is easy."

 

Time is crucial in any business and the Dell Vostro 3350 includes two USB

3.0 ports enabling data transfers of up to ten times the speed of USB 2.0.

The Dell Vostro 3350 also comes with Bluetooth 3.0, letting you transfer at up to 24 Mbps thus giving you the ability to move large files in just a few seconds.

Communicate wherever you are with the Dell Vostro 3350's built-in HD webcam, digital array microphones to omit background noise, preinstalled Skype and SRS Premium Voice Pro software for a distinct and clear voice and video communication solution.

 

Working day or night is not a problem with the optional backlit keyboard, but still having the added benefit of an extended battery life up to twelve hours and an optional 9 cell battery.

 

The Dell Vostro 3350 notebook is a business user's most practical asset, providing great specifications that deliver performance and functionality.

Coupled with a 3 year guarantee, the Dell Vostro 3350 is truly in a league of its own.

 

The Dell Vostro 3350 is available at all major retailers at the recommended retail price of R9, 999.00 inclusive of V.A.T.


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Posted: 10/6/2011 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

Press release: DCC and Targus deliver a new range of products to protect the iPad

 

6 October 2011

 

The era of mobility is upon us and technology is spawning more and more devices that keep us connected, working and entertained while on the move.

An example is the current tablet PC 'boom' that is taking the world by storm. One such brand that is making its mark is the Apple iPad. Before users got used to the iPad 1, the iPad 2 had been launched and we are expecting the next iteration in April 2012.

 

For these enthusiasts, there is nothing more frustrating than having to contend with scratches on their iPad. Many users have realised the necessity to protect this ever important asset - whether using their iPad for e-mailing, watching movies or browsing the Internet - but are overwhelmed with the choice of accessories, skins, sleeves, cases, covers and brands best suited for their iPad.

 

"The Targus range of products offer protection for ease, as we see many people identify their iPad as an investment and an everyday tool," says Heinrich Pretorius, Targus Product Specialist at distributors Drive Control Corporation (DCC). "Protecting your iPad is vital as it gives your iPad a longer lifespan, so whether you purchase a case, sleeve or slipcase, the Targus range will suit your lifestyle. The skin is so unobtrusive, that you could even slip it into your laptop case for added protection."

 

The Targus brand is synonymous with simple and stylish, yet functional products.  DCC stocks a range of products specifically designed for the Apple iPad.  These include the Targus Vuscape Protective Cover and Stand, Targus Z-Case, Targus Screen Protector and finally the Targus A7 Sleeve.

 

Targus Vuscape Protective Cover and Stand

 

The Targus Vuscape Protective Cover and Stand is an ultra-thin and lightweight case with the added benefit of multi-viewing. This allows you to view the iPad at three angles, with the lowest angle giving you the ideal space to type. The Vuscape is designed in the similar mould of a portfolio case, which makes portability a breeze.  The exterior of the case is a hard shell providing sturdy protection, while the interior is made from soft 'suede' protecting your iPad from scratches. The Vuscape simply flips open and props up, so it allows you instant access to your iPad - always ready and operational.

 

Targus Z-case

 

The Targus Z-case is made with one thought, simplicity.  The Z-case is easy to use and offers the touch of regal. The Z-case exterior is similar to that of the Vuscape and is made from a hard shell for protection.  It also features a plush scratch resistant interior to protect the iPad screen from nicks and scratches. A secure magnetic strip is used to open and close the Z-case. Simply open the two-phased cover and zoom onto the web, knowing that your iPad is protected.

 

Targus Screen Protector The Targus Screen Protector not only protects your iPad from scratches, but also reduces the amount of fingerprints or smudges that appear on your screen. This clear plastic layer was designed with a specifically formulated adhesive, which leaves no residue and takes nothing away from your iPad.  It simply offers better visibility of the screen.  No solution is required to apply the Screen Protector, leaving you free of bubbles when placing the protection on your iPad.

 

Targus A7 Sleeve

 

The Targus A7 Sleeve is the quirky yet serious design of the Targus range.

The A7 protects your iPad not only from scratches and dust, but is also weather resistant, come rain or snow. The A7 is made from state of the art material, using a tri-cell cushion system; the exterior is made from neoprene which offers durability while the interior is heavily padded offering shock resistance and is quilted, providing ventilation.

 

Says Magdalena Britz (Max), National Sales and Development Manager at CSD Targus Distribution: "Targus develops products that are reputable globally, whereby quality and warranty are CSD Targus Distribution's priority.

Fulfilling the end users' requirement and product satisfaction in getting their money's worth is key for us, for it has become a business necessity tool, rather than a nice to have and the range for iPads is no different.

The product is developed to ensure maximum protection and enhances the user experience.  Although the products are unique and feature a variety of designs, they offer one distinct feature and that is to ensure that your iPad is protected at all times." 


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Posted: 10/7/2011 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

 New WD TV Live Delivers Premium Entertainment Experience with Quality Internet Services and Personal Videos, Photos and Music Streaming Wirelessly to your TV

 

07 October 2011

 

Western Digital, the world’s leader in external storage solutions and maker of the popular WD TV media player family, today introduced the next generation of its WD TV Live streaming media player, an easy to use Wi-Fi enabled media player. The new streaming media player easily connects to the Internet wirelessly or through an Ethernet connection, with the high performance 802.11n wireless connectivity supporting even the most demanding high definition video applications.

 

WD TV Live features WD’s newest intuitive user interface that delivers quality Internet content from video services to Internet radio and social networking from companies like YouTube, Facebook, Picassa Web Albums and TuneIn Radio, directly to your TV in Full-HD 1080p resolution. WD TV Live also includes Fun Spot Games, a casual gaming service that offers everything from arcade and card games to puzzles, strategy and quizzes, including Sudoku, Black Jack and Poker. Adding to the WD TV family’s current content offerings, WD TV Live will now include the Dailymotion video service. The new service offers quality video content from users, independent content creators and premium partners, including high-quality and HD video. 

 

In addition to premium Internet content, WD TV Live allows users to enjoy personal media such as photos, video and music on their home entertainment systems by supporting a wide range of file formats for streaming content from any connected USB drive like the WD My Passport  and My Book product families, digital camcorder or camera, network drive such as the My Book Live personal cloud storage, and any networked PC or Mac computer in the home.

 

“WD is committed to providing our customers with a premium entertainment experience that includes seamless streaming of personal media and the best of the Internet directly to the highest quality screen and sound system in the home,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager for WD’s Branded Products and Consumer Electronics groups. “By marrying advanced features of the new wireless WD TV Live with quality content from service providers, we are excited to deliver on that commitment.”

 

Availability

The new WD TV Live streaming media player can be purchased at select retailers worldwide and online at wdstore.com

 

About WD

WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and home entertainment products.

WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital® and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.


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Posted: 11/3/2011 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

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3 November 2011

 

 

Media enthusiasts, including gamers perpetually seek super-charged PCs that feature the powerful combination of high-speed processing and graphics that impress.  Dell's XPS 8300 delivers all of this, making it the ideal partner for entertainment gurus and gamers that immerse themselves in their favourite movies, games, music and much more. With the availability of Intel's Core i7 processor option, Dell's XPS 8300is designed to give you the best performance in its class. Digital media creating (video editing, encoding, image rendering, audio production and real-time preview) is quicker and faster than ever before.

 

The new Dell XPS 8300 offers uncompromising quality and powerful performance

with:

 

.               Up to 16GB DDR3 memory

.               Up to 4TB storage dual drives

.               Optional USB  3.0 SUPPORT

.               460W power supply

 

Says Nitesh Devanand, Dell Consumer Product Specialist at DCC, "This desktop is perfect for any multimedia task, there is nothing you can't do on this desktop it has endless capabilities and this is the new generation of the 8300. It features an improved processor, bigger hard drive and of course high-end graphics making it ideal for users who need extreme power and easy accessibility."

 

With the integrated 7.1 THX TruStudiosound is truly amazing providing a heightened experience with every explosion and every whispered noise. This PC is designed to bring the stellar audio that is really only experienced in live theatrical and musical productions.

Not only does the Dell XPS 8300 provide outstanding proven power but it is also distinctly stylish with its tilt-back design and top-recessed tray that is both appealing to the eye and provides easy accessibility to a multitude of ports making it perfect for charging a variety of electronic portable gadgets. Featuring a modern yet sophisticated look with a black bezel and white sides, the XPS 8300 is a PC that you will not want under your desk but rather show off on top of your desk.

 

Dell Stage software delivers easy navigation of the Operating System (OS) and provides ease of access to all your favourite movies, games, photos and videos with only a mouse click away. Create photo slides, read online e-books and listen to a variety of music all from the convenience of the stage. Download your favourite applications, share your photos on Facebook and Flickr options within PhotoStage.

 

Dell's XPS 8300 Multimedia Desktop is available at all major retailers at the recommended retail price of R11, 999.00 inclusive of V.A.T.


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Posted: 11/9/2011 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

  

9 November 2011

 

Distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC) has recently unveiled the newly revamped HP 630 and 635 notebooks. This new range is ideal for students, cost conscious consumers and small businesses, providing mobility and enhancing productivity right out of the box with preloaded Microsoft Office

2010 Starter Edition on both models.

 

The HP 630 and 635 Notebooks are easy on the eye with their smooth matte surface in an understated pewter colour, providing an elegant yet high-class look and feel. The HP 630 is powered by Intel's Core i3-370M processor and the HP 635 is powered by AMD's Dual-Core E-450 processor, ensuring that these notebooks can perform multiple tasks quickly and easily. With the energy efficient 15.6 inch diagonal LED backlit display, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, working from home or your favourite hotspot is easy and hassle free.

 

Says Deon Botha HP PSG Business Unit Manager at Drive Control Corporation "The HP 635 and HP 600 series notebooks are perfect for cost conscious buyers that don't want to sacrifice functionality.  In addition, these notebooks are ideal for communication with its built in webcam, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.  Connecting with other devices such as your Smartphone or making Skype calls to friends and family is as simple as a touch of a button."

 

The HP 635 notebook comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows 7 Basic Operating System (OS) making it perfect for the home user to surf the web and perform various online tasks.  The HP 630 Core i3 model comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows 7 Pro OS making it perfect for small business computing generally requiring advanced networking features included in windows 7 Pro.

 

Botha adds, "Many users find themselves in the situation where they have purchased a notebook with 'feature bloat' technology where extras that you won't necessarily use inflate the price of the product. The HP 635 and HP

630 range offers the essential mix of features to enable usability while still staying within budget without comprising essential functionality."

 

Not only do the HP 630 and 635 notebooks both provide performance but they also deliver an edge for entertainment enthusiasts with its stereo Altec Lansing speakers delivering an extraordinary listening experience. Further extending the entertainment value are multimedia control features on the keyboard giving you the ability to play, forward and rewind audio and video files easily.

 

Experience truly remarkable high-definition (HD), with the HDMI port that lets you connect directly to any high-definition display. With the Fast Charge feature, recharging your battery is super fast and simple, taking just 90 minutes to recharge the primary battery up to 90% when you notebook is off.

 

Both the HP 635 and 630 models feature 2GB of DDR3 Ram and 320GB hard drives with optional warranty upgrades to enable onsite warranty response.

 

The HP 635 and 630 notebooks are available at all HP resellers and major retailers at the recommended retail price of R4, 699.00 and R 7099.00 inclusive of V.A.T. respectively.

 


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Posted: 12/14/2011 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

 13 December 2011

 

Tilt, pivot, swivel, adjust your viewing height or even change your screen display from landscape to portrait quickly and easily. Get customisable large screen viewing with the innovative new Philips 241P3 24-inch LED monitor, available from distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC).

 

This large, eco-friendly professional monitor features an ergonomic base with built in stereo audio and an onboard USB port for added value. It delivers brilliant full high definition (FHD) display with a super high contrast ratio and superior colour reproduction thanks to consistent brightness across the screen.

 

"This product has been designed with the professional user in mind. The height adjustable base allows for 130mm of vertical movement, and the screen angle can be pivoted on both the x and y axis to achieve the ideal individual viewing angle. With the 90 degree screen rotation the display can also be switched to portrait should this be required, and a host of added features enhance the user experience," says Tyrone Young, Country Manager, Philips Monitors.

 

SmartImage technology analyses the content displayed on your screen and gives you optimised display performance. At the touch of a button, you can dynamically adjust the contrast, colour saturation and sharpness of images and videos for ultimate display performance. The Economy mode option offers superior power saving capabilities, with running consumption as low as 12 watts.

 

Stylish, intelligent touch controls respond to your lightest touch to adjust monitor settings, and the on-board USB port allows you to conveniently connect your plug and play multimedia devices such as USB memory devices, cameras, portable hard drives, webcams and printers. Dual VGA and DVI connectivity allows dual screen display to be set up in a matter of seconds.

 

 

"The Philips 241P3 addresses an underserved market segment. The majority of today's large screen LED displays have a fixed base, and are aimed at the consumer market. This monitor offers the ergonomic features desired by the professional user with value adds such as built in speakers and a USB port and all of the environmental, power saving and viewing benefits of an LED screen," says Bruce Byrne, Visual Communications Specialist at DCC.

 

The Philips 241P3 is EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 5 rated, mercury, halogen and lead free and ships in 100% recyclable packaging to minimise carbon footprint. It is available immediately from DCC's resellers. 


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Posted: 1/10/2012 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

 Press release: Customise your viewing with the new Philips 24-inch LED monitor from DCC

 

10 January 2012

 

Tilt, pivot, swivel, adjust your viewing height or even change your screen display from landscape to portrait quickly and easily. Get customisable large screen viewing with the innovative new Philips 241P3 24-inch LED monitor, available from distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC).

 

This large, eco-friendly professional monitor features an ergonomic base with built in stereo audio and an onboard USB port for added value. It delivers brilliant full high definition (FHD) display with a super high contrast ratio and superior colour reproduction thanks to consistent brightness across the screen.

 

"This product has been designed with the professional user in mind. The height adjustable base allows for 130mm of vertical movement, and the screen angle can be pivoted on both the x and y axis to achieve the ideal individual viewing angle. With the 90 degree screen rotation the display can also be switched to portrait should this be required, and a host of added features enhance the user experience," says Tyrone Young, Country Manager, Philips Monitors.

 

SmartImage technology analyses the content displayed on your screen and gives you optimised display performance. At the touch of a button, you can dynamically adjust the contrast, colour saturation and sharpness of images and videos for ultimate display performance. The Economy mode option offers superior power saving capabilities, with running consumption as low as 12 watts.

 

Stylish, intelligent touch controls respond to your lightest touch to adjust monitor settings, and the on-board USB port allows you to conveniently connect your plug and play multimedia devices such as USB memory devices, cameras, portable hard drives, webcams and printers. Dual VGA and DVI connectivity allows dual screen display to be set up in a matter of seconds.

 

 

"The Philips 241P3 addresses an underserved market segment. The majority of today's large screen LED displays have a fixed base, and are aimed at the consumer market. This monitor offers the ergonomic features desired by the professional user with value adds such as built in speakers and a USB port and all of the environmental, power saving and viewing benefits of an LED screen," says Bruce Byrne, Visual Communications Specialist at DCC.

 

The Philips 241P3 is EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 5 rated, mercury, halogen and lead free and ships in 100% recyclable packaging to minimise carbon footprint. It is available immediately from DCC's resellers. 


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Posted: 1/17/2012 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

 Customise your notebook to match your mood and look

 

16 January 2012

 

In a world where people want their lifestyles to reflect their individuality, distributor Drive Control Corporation has launched Dell's latest range of notebooks that allow users to change its look - the Inspiron Switch 15R.  These notebooks feature removable lids in over 20 colours and designs, providing a look that suits every mood and personality. 

 

This fun notebook is designed for the hip and happening person whose individuality is important to them - especially when you want to change your style and look at a moment's notice.  The removable lid simply clips loose so you can swop your bright pink flowered look for a corporate black image, making that switch from afterhours 'down time' to corporate.

 

Sturdy clips make this lid more robust so should a clip happen to break off, you won't need to replace your entire notebook - only the lid.

 

As this notebook is made with fun and ease in mind, Dell has bundled it with their Stage software, which allows you to further customise your notebook to best suit your needs. "Stage shortcuts those things you most use, so you can access Facebook, photos, word documents and other applications with one touch.  You can also easily access the most recently used programmes with one click of your mouse," says Nitesh Devanand, Dell Consumer Product Specialist at DCC.

 

Two versions of this notebook are available. The higher end specification includes an Intel Core i7 processor with 6 Gigabytes (GB) of memory and a

640 GB hard drive.

 

The entry level version includes an Intel Core i3 processor with 3 GB of memory and 320 GB hard drive, but both include the 64-bit version of Windows

7 Premium for home use.  However, you have the option of increasing your memory with another 3GB as and when you require. 

 

For the home user that is looking for entertainment and convenience, the WiDi (Wireless Display) function allows you to view your favourite movies from your notebook on your HD TV - even in 3D if your TV allows it - without the hassle of connecting HDMI cables from your notebook to your TV.  This feature also allows you to connect wirelessly to a data projector.

 

This notebook features Dell's standard three year, next day on-site warranty. This means that, should Dell not be able to successfully handle your troubleshooting via the phone, they will come to your home the next day and fix or replace your Dell Switch.

 

 

 

 

The Dell Inspiron Switch 15R i7 retails at a recommended price of R9499,00 and the i3 at R8199,00, inclusive of V.A.T. Their colourful lids range from between R 200,00 and R 700,00 including V.A.T.

 


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Posted: 1/17/2012 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

Competing, or working together to run your home and SME? 

 

By Robert Brandt, AEC Product Specialist at Drive Control Corporation

 

16 January 2011

 

As businesses and consumers struggle to cope with the global energy crisis, governments and the private sector alike are actively looking towards alternative, greener energy sources to preserve both the planet and power.

Until such time that the crisis is over, it is imperative to have solutions in place that provide backup and protect equipment from power surges and power outages.  Many companies invest in power solutions, such as UPS's, especially for their IT environments, but as businesses and homes also need

backup power sources, the inverter is coming to fore.   However, not many

people understand the differences (and similarities) between a UPS and inverter.

 

A UPS is fairly simple in its working, yet provides something essential to any business - uninterrupted power, as well as lightning and power surge protection.  The inverter is similar in its purpose yet offers slightly different functionality.  Both have been around for decades and not only assist with the increasing power shortage, but also provide a short-term solution.  Manufacturers have even started enabling these devices to assist in providing a long-term solution where carbon footprints and energy conservation are concerned.

 

Put simply, a UPS contains an inverter, yet distinguishes itself with additional features such as lighting and power surge protection through automated voltage regulation (AVR).  It provides a limited autonomy to enable statefull shutdowns with IT equipment such as servers, which ensures information and software is not corrupted which can happen with a sudden power outage. 

 

An Inverter is comparatively inexpensive, basic equipment, which is entrenched in the electronic industry and used to keep production going for up to 12 hours after a power outage. It does this by converting the output DC power from its battery source, into an AC current.

 

UPS's and inverters have co-existed for decades in their separate markets, but as we are moving to an ever-increasing technologically advanced environment where automated, or smart homes is a new buzz word, so the lines between the UPS and Inverter have blurred.  A home user would benefit from an Inverter that can not only run the geyser and everything else connected electronically, while the power is out, but also do it in an environmentally friendly manner.  A generator serves the purpose of extended run time in the home and office, but the accompanying noise and carbon-loaded fuel consumption, will not suffice in our green day and age. 

 

For example, the AEC ST2X home inverter has an average lifespan of three to five years and would be connected to your home electrical system and can automatically charge its batteries, using a combination of Eskom power and solar energy. It would also have a line auto failover switch, which allows for a line interactive switch from Eskom to battery power in case of an outage. As a result the switch is so incredibly fast, that no data will be lost or damage caused in the nanosecond of downtime.

 

The cost of such a unit depends on how long you want to run your home of office, as well as how large or small the required load is.  That means you can have anything between 800 and 1300 watts of energy, generated from up to

24 100ah batteries, running your home or office in an environmentally friendly manner during power outages, as well as protecting your equipment from fluctuations in power.

 

Businesses and home users can take advantage of both the UPS and inverter in an effort to ensure productivity, save money and harness the distinct benefits of lightning and surge protection whilst enjoying the added benefit of an additional power source than can keep equipment running for up to eight hours. As they say, knowledge is power.


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Posted: 1/31/2012 - 0 comment(s) [ Comment ] - 0 trackback(s) [ Trackback ]
Category: Hardware

 31 January 2011

Distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC) will now be delivering Overland Storage’s SnapServer DX, unified NAS and iSCSI SAN device that leverages their new RAID technology, DynamicRAID, to eliminate the need to provision storage capacity.

 

Expandable to 288TB and featuring an array of integrated enterprise features, including snapshots, replication and remote management, SnapServer DX enables storage environments to scale without downtime while ensuring data protection. Available in both a 2U and a 1U configuration, SnapServer DX lets any size business run its storage like an enterprise, at one-tenth the cost. Offering flexibility, SnapServer DX is the solution for business applications from virtualised server, Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint and SQL environments to digital imaging, web services, storage consolidation and backup.

 

"Many businesses are finding it difficult to acquire and manage the storage capacity and functionality needed to keep up with accelerating data growth over time. The speed of provisioning in virtual server environments has stressed the storage infrastructure and it's essential that storage solutions match that speed and ease to keep up with rapidly changing dynamics," says Raul Del Fabbro, Storage Division Manager at DCC. "DynamicRAID makes provisioning capacity and the management and protection of data extremely simple, plus it automates the growing of shared storage capacity while improving the predictability of future storage needs and capital expenditures. SnapServer DX enables businesses to count on improved storage utilisation with less management and a highly efficient storage environment at a fraction of the typical cost."


DynamicRAID: New Spin on Managing Disks


Built on the premise that the next generation of storage provisioning is no provisioning, DynamicRAID is a new standards-based technology that delivers the ability to increase capacity, expand storage pools, create limitless volumes in seconds, grow and shrink storage volumes independently and optimise data protection levels - all with zero downtime. DynamicRAID provides the flexibility to manage storage infrastructures without manual intervention, giving businesses the ability to grow without interruption.

                                                  

Benefits of DynamicRAID:

·       Non-proprietary technology that adheres to proven, standard RAID code that the enterprise trusts

·       The ability to take advantage of mixed and matched drive sizes while the best RAID level is automatically chosen, including single or dual parity

·       Limitless volume creation in seconds with no volume resizing or data migration required

·       Storage pools seamlessly grow by hot-swapping larger disk drives without business interruption

·       Volumes can automatically grow, or shrink independently to add storage back into the common storage pool in seconds

SnapServer DX


Built on the GuardianOS platform - in more than 300,000 deployments across the globe, including half of Fortune 500 organisations - SnapServer DX joins the SnapServer line of NAS solutions. It integrates with Windows Active Directory, Linux, UNIX and Macintosh Domains and replicates data between locations for collaboration and data protection with Snap Enterprise Data Replicator (SnapEDR).

·       At setup users choose between traditional RAID or standards-based DynamicRAID as well as the preferred drive type: SAS, SATA Enterprise or desktop drives

·       Unified storage supports storage of both file-based and block-based data

·       Flexibility to expand and upsize total storage to 288TBs with SnapExpansion units

·       Stability. compliant with Windows Active Directory and integration with Windows, UNIX/Linux and Macintosh environments

·       Remote management delivers real-time visualisation, configuration and management of an entire global SnapServer environment with SnapServer Manager

·       Disaster recovery: replicate data to one or dosens of locations with bandwidth throttling, take snapshots for point-in-time recovery, and perform backups to disk, VTL or tape


"We have designed DynamicRAID and the SnapServer DX to drive a fundamental shift in IT thinking and process: there is no longer a need to ever provision storage," says Jillian Mansolf, vice president of global sales and marketing at Overland Storage. "Our goal was to build the SnapServer DX with the best features and price of any NAS solution in its class and we are confident that businesses of all sizes will be able to take advantage its power, flexibility and ease of use."


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