QuantaStor turns any 64-bit server into a cloud storage appliance

Storage management firm OS Nexus has released a software tool designed to allow small businesses to deploy cost-effective private and public clouds.

QuantaStor is a storage system built on top of a Linux Ubuntu Server, which turns any existing 64-bit server into a cloud storage appliance, according to OS Nexus.

Key features include the ability to set up a public or private cloud in minutes, manage the storage system remotely via the QuantaStor Manager interface and easily recover files, explained Steve Umbehocker, founder and chief executive of OS Nexus.

Once a storage environment has been set up, administrators have role-based access control so they can create custom roles, assign work and provision storage for users.

"Users can manage storage using the web-based QuantaStor Manager by entering the IP address of the system into a web browser. This is done using an SSL connection to ensure security," Umbehocker told V3.co.uk.

"The web-based management interface is built on the 2.0 platform using the Google Web Toolkit, giving users the look and feel of traditional desktop applications such as Outlook. This also means there is no need to refresh the page or install anything on your desktop."

Another key feature is the inbuilt Instant Recovery tool that allows users to recover files deleted by mistake or lost via a bad driver installation, for example.

Users can automate the creation of 'snapshots' before making major configuration changes to servers so that a quick recovery can be made if anything goes wrong, Umbehocker said.

"We've focused on making QuantaStor quick and easy to set up. The software allows users to collaborate on projects and therefore increase productivity," he explained.

"QuantaStor is ideal for small businesses as they can create virtual storage systems without spending additional money on hardware and associated costs such as power consumption."

A standard QuantaStor package with 8TB of storage is available for a one-off fee of $1,295 (£800). A subscription-based licence is also available for $495 (£300) a year including maintenance.

The company offers a fully featured 30-day trial of QuantaStor and a limited free/community edition.