Imation Corp. announced the general availability of Imation Odyssey removable hard disk cartridges in an expanded 160GB capacity for small- and medium-sized business and small office/home office users seeking a more rugged and robust data storage solution. Imation's e-tail partners have begun shipping Imation-branded Odyssey systems at a price range of $189 to $299, based on capacity, for an external USB docking station, Odyssey cartridge and EMC Retrospect software.

    Developed to ensure total data protection, Imation's Odyssey solution and cartridges are now available through e-tail sites such as Buy.com, Best Buy for Business, CDW, Dell, Encore Data Products, Insight, PC Connection, Quill Corp, TapeandMedia.com, TigerDirect and Zones. Imation Corp. is the only company in the world solely focused on the development, manufacture and supply of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage.

    "More than ever, small businesses need greater access to cost-effective, reliable and flexible storage solutions in order to meet their ever-expanding data protection requirements including backup and archive," said Greg Schulz, founder and senior analyst, The StorageIO Group. "Today's announcement is a great step in providing SMBs, as well as managed service providers, with more flexibility in how and where they protect data in a timely, cost-effective manner leveraging the ultra-reliable Imation Odyssey system."

    "Today's small businesses are dealing with many of the same data storage threats - including compliance and longer retention periods, decreasing backup windows and networks unable to handle increasing amounts of data - that larger enterprises have faced for years," said Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, vice president, global commercial business, R&D and manufacturing for Imation. "By leveraging the combined strength of our e-channel partners, Imation is able to specifically meet the storage needs of SMBs and desktop users and provide greater access to the Odyssey solution."

    Imation's Odyssey solution includes an external docking station with a USB 2.0 interface and a hard disk cartridge, containing a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive. The docking station is compatible with all Odyssey cartridges - including the current 40, 80, 120 and 160GB capacity cartridges and all future, higher-capacity cartridges - providing SMB and SOHO users with cost-effective and 'infinite storage' capabilities.

    The Odyssey system also includes the award-winning EMC Retrospect software for backup and recovery that delivers fast backups, accurate restores and full disaster recovery with minimal manual effort or expertise. Imation is also the exclusive licensee of the TDK Life on Record brand. Imation Corp.'s global brand portfolio includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry.

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