WD today introduced new Sentinel DS5100 and DS6100 ultra-compact servers, engineered to provide network storage in addition to the functionality offered by pre-installed Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials. The Sentinel S-series features Intel Xeon quad-core processors and ships pre-populated with WD Se enterprise-class 3.5-inch hard drives offering up to 16 TB of raw storage as well as up to two, 2.5-inch boot drives. WD has emphasized rapid deployment and suitability as a ‘first server’ as the company’s entry point into this new market via the DS5100 and DS6100.
WD today introduced new Sentinel DS5100 and DS6100 ultra-compact servers, engineered to provide network storage in addition to the functionality offered by pre-installed Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials. The Sentinel S-series features Intel Xeon quad-core processors and ships pre-populated with WD Se enterprise-class 3.5-inch hard drives offering up to 16 TB of raw storage as well as up to two, 2.5-inch boot drives. WD has emphasized rapid deployment and suitability as a ‘first server’ as the company’s entry point into this new market via the DS5100 and DS6100.
Incorporating Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials means that small businesses can run a full spectrum of applications on the new WD Sentinel offerings, unlike traditional NAS systems with proprietary operating systems. WD has also bundled automatic backup and restore software for up to 25 users and 50 devices in order to attract customers who would otherwise require both dedicated NAS and server hardware. With a small footprint (6.30 x 8.10 x 8.8 in) and quiet cooling system, the Sentinel S-series offerings are intended for flexible deployment in the field and outside of traditional datacenters.
The DS5100 and DS6100 feature dual gigabit Ethernet ports and dual external DC-in power adapters. The DS5100 comes with single boot drive, though a second is optional, while the DS6100 comes with dual-drives standard. Both systems come with four 3.5" drive bays for data storage, the DS5100 supports 4TB and 8TB configurations while the DS6100 supports 8TB, 12TB and 16TB deployments.
Pricing and Availability
Five models of WD Sentinel S-series appliances are available and shipping worldwide. The WD Sentinel DS5100 is available pre-populated in capacities of 4 or 8 TB starting at $2,560. The WD Sentinel DS6100 is available with capacities of 8, 12, or 16 TB. Detailed pricing for the DS5100 and pricing for the DS6100 has not yet been announced.
