Later this week Micro Solutions Inc. will begin shipping a new Backpack Wireless Workgroup Server that’s compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux systems. Targeted to small businesses and small office-home office, it will offer shared storage, a connection for shared broadband Internet access and a wireless and wired LAN.
The Backpack server is designed for portability. It measures 9.1 x 5.7 x 2.2 inches and weighs three pounds, two ounces. With a suggested retail price of US$$699 for a 80GB version and $799 for a 120GB model, it sports a four-port 10/100Mbps wired Ethernet switch; an 802.11b 11Mbps wireless access point; an IP WAN port for sharing DSL or cable modem Internet access; security with dynamic IP addressing and firewall protection.
The Backpack Wireless Workgroup Server also includes the following features: 64/128 bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) support; remote access, system configuration; user quota management; built-in Web page file management (HTTP); NAT function support for single IP address assignment to ISPs; DHCP dynamic IP address assignment; DDNS service support; real time Internet and local network gaming support; packet-filtering firewall support; and built-in remote replication. It comes with a printed User’s Guide, NASWare Router Edition software, a universal external power supply, CAT5 Ethernet cable and a supplemental “quick install” wizard CD-ROM.