The Odyssey solution is the latest addition to Imation’s family of removable hard disk solutions, which includes the Ulysses technology, the first disk-enhanced removable media cartridge; and the Micro Hard Drive, a portable 4GB USB storage device.
The Odyssey cartridge contains a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive and the Odyssey docking station fits into any 3.5-inch drive bay, creating a solution that enables efficient and low-cost backup. The solution can be used with any drag-and-drop Windows-based system, including the forthcoming Microsoft Vista, as well as most storage management software packages offered by independent software providers.
Imation SA sales manager Juan David Fajardo says the Odyssey cartridge was designed to withstand high shock forces by adding protection in especially vulnerable areas. “Imation’s Odyssey cartridge is the only cartridge able to withstand a 39-inch fall without exceeding HDD manufacturers’ maximum shock specifications.
“Competitive products typically utilise connectors designed for one insertion; however, Imation’s Odyssey solution utilises reliable enterprise-class connector technology developed for the Imation Ulysses disk-enhanced tape solution, rated for up to one million insertions.”
Imation’s Odyssey cartridge incorporates ESD protection into the cartridge material itself which provides a means to minimise static build-up and safely dissipate static charges caused by media cartridge handling. Because hard disk drives contain sensitive electronic components, excessive static build-up and subsequent static discharge can lead to data loss. The Odyssey cartridge meets both anti-static and static-dissipative specifications, which also minimises dust accumulation.
Shock and vibration from spring-loaded manual cartridge insertion is a looming problem in today’s lighter weight server configurations. The Odyssey solution features a soft-load mechanism typically associated with higher-duty cycle products, which eliminates excessive shock and vibration during load and unload.
